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BRIDGEPORT, Calif. (Feb. 23, 2026) A military medical student & cold-water immersion study volunteer, enrolled in Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Center’s Mountain Medicine Course, recites the 9-line Medical Evacuation request and re-answer his baseline questions, such as their current stress levels, hot or cold body temperature sensation & shivering levels following his10-minute cold-water immersion experience. Upon completing the questionnaire, subjects proceed to the active rewarming phase where they change into dry winter gear and do a series of exercises including squats, jumping jacks, running & arm circles. Through its cutting-edge cold water immersion studies, the Naval Health Research Center (NHRC) develops life-saving strategies that enable the warfighter to overcome the initial, lethal shock of entering frigid water. This vital research provides U.S. Naval, Marine Corps, and joint forces with the tools to maintain cognitive function and enhance survivability in the most extreme maritime environments. (U.S. Navy photo by Matthew Reyes/released)