Researchers at the University of Portsmouth, UK, have developed a computer model to predict how long someone will survive lost at sea, to help decision-making by search and rescue teams. The Search and Rescue Survival Model is being developed by the University of Portsmouth's Sports Science and Mathematics departments and the US Coast Guard. It aims to support the US Coast Guard target of saving 93 per cent of victims annually - between 3,000 and 6,000 people - whose lives are in danger at sea. 'Using this new computer model will take pressure off humans making very emotional and sensitive decisions about when to end a search,' said Professor Mike Tipton, human and applied physiologist from the University of Portsmouth. 'When the model predicts that a victim can no longer survive, the search and rescue team can stop or redeploy the search. It will ensure that Coast Guard personnel are not exposed to the high risks associated with search and rescue operations any longer than necessary and will also help to save time and resources.'
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