A.R. (Sandy) Anderson
WINTER 1988
One of the greatest dangers to outdoor enthusiasts is hypothermia. This is a condition in which the body has lost more heat than it could produce. The result is a drop in the body's core temperature which could lead to death. Some people believe that hypothermia can only happen in extreme cold. This is not true. If you are wet, exposed to wind or exhausted, even air temperatures of 5° to 10° C (40° to 50° F) can be lethal. The best way to avoid hypothermia is to prepare for your activity by following some basic rules:
- Dress for the weather
- Stay dry -wear rain gear in damp or rainy weather. You lose heat 240 times faster when you are wet than when you are dry.
- Wear a hat - over 20% of your body heat is lost through your scalp and facial areas. By wearing a warm hat you can drastically cut heat loss. Wool caps are best, they will keep you warm even when wet.
- Dress in layers - match the amount of insulation you wear to your activity level and prevent overheating and perspiration. A thin windproof shell (nylon jacket) should be worn overtop to prevent too much heat loss too quickly.
- Avoid exhaustion - Set a reasonable pace. Take along high energy foods and eat nutritious meals at regular intervals.
- Shelter - By protecting yourself from the wind your clothes will keep you warmer. Limit your activities to less windy areas, or seek out sheltered locations when you stop for a rest.
Victims of hypothermia don't always realize what is happening to them and may deny that there is anything wrong. Early detection of hypothermia is the best line of defence. Watch for the following symptoms:
- feeling chilly or cold, tired, irritable
- shivering (which continues to worsen)
- lethargy, dull, slow movements, stumbling or weakness
First Aid Treatment
- Stop heat loss - Provide insulation, especially underneath the victim. Replace wet clothing. Handle the patient with care. Sudden or rough handling of hypothermia victims could send cold blood from the extremities to the heart, further worsening the condition or even causing death.
- Provide Shelter - Either build a shelter or move the victim to shelter, being as gentle as possible. Send someone for help.
- In mild cases - Provide warm liquids and a warm sleeping bag. Where necessary get into the bag with the victim.
- In severe cases - The victim has lost the ability to produce heat in their own body. It is then necessary to donate heat from yours. Position the victim between two rescuers or nest to you in a sleeping bag. Bare skin contact on the torso is best. Let the victim breathe your exhaled warm breath. Placing warm rocks or warm water bottles in the armpits and groin areas of the victims will also help. Do not emphasize warming extremities, hands or feet.
Warming in this fashion may take several hours. As the person's condition improves, allow them to slowly drink warm, sweet fluids. victims can relapse quickly, so watch them closely.
Preventing hypothermia just takes common sense and a little preparation. Don't let it ruin your enjoyment of the outdoors.