Gordon Giesbrecht

Dr. Gordon Giesbrecht is a Senior Scholar at the University of Manitoba's Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management. His research focuses on human responses to extreme environmental conditions, particularly cold stress, drowning prevention, and vehicle submersion survival. He leads the Laboratory for Exercise and Environmental Medicine, conducting pioneering studies on thermal physiology and pre-hospital care for hypothermia.

Education:

• B.Th., Horizon College & Seminary (2010)
• Postdoctoral Fellowship, University of Calgary (1991)
• PhD in Medicine, University of Manitoba (1990)
• MPE and BPE, University of Manitoba (1986, 1985)

Research Interests: Dr. Giesbrecht investigates physiological adaptations to extreme environments, including cold water immersion, altitude hypoxia, and diving hypobaria. He developed the Operation ALIVE protocol (SEATBELTS off, WINDOWS open, OUT immediately, CHILDREN first) to improve survival rates during vehicle submersion incidents. His work emphasizes practical applications, such as cold-water safety guidelines and the design of automotive safety systems.

Labs & Contributions: His laboratory explores thermal stress physiology and emergency response strategies. Notable projects include the Cold Water Boot Camp and collaborations with organizations like the State of Alaska on cold injury prevention guidelines.