Discovering the Outdoors: Hypothermia|Nature|Wildlife

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Here's your outdoor tip on hypothermia.

The colder months of the year bring the possibility of hypothermia to the forefront with exposure to the cold weather or immersion in cold water. It’s important to note, however, that hypothermia is possible even in the warmer months particularly with prolonged exposure to water lower than the normal body temperature of 98.6F.

It is important not to underestimate the effects of the cold. Many hypothermia cases develop in air temperature between 30 to 50 degrees. Being wet makes the danger of death very possible particularly in the wind.

The general characteristics of hypothermia in the following body temperatures are:

95 F Mild Shivering Withdrawn Foot Stamping

90 F Mild Loss of Coordination Confused

85 F Moderate Lethargy Slow Pulse Sleepy

80 F Severe Coma Weak Pulse; arrhythmias; slow respiration Irrational thinking

78 F Severe Apparent Death Ventricular fibrillation; cardiac arrest Unconscious

There are detailed estimates for survival times at different water temperatures, but there are many variables. The body loses heat to the water about 30 times faster than the air. Generally speaking, immersion in 32F water will bring death in less than 15 minutes. Water over 70 F brings much higher prospects of survival.

Getting out of the water and on top of an over-turned boat is the best approach for capsizing. Swimming is not a good idea and leads to faster heat loss and exhaustion. If you are more than one mile from shore, swimming can likely be fatal. Treading water also leads to rapid heat loss so staying a life jack is the best bet. It along with clothing provides insulation.

The Heat Escape Lessening Posture of H.E.L.P. can be used with a PFD. Hold your arms tightly against you sides and across your chest. Pull your legs together and up toward your chest. Two or more people with PFDs can huddle together to conserve body heat and offer a larger target to be found by rescuers.

It is important to remember that the hypothermic patient isn’t dead until she’s warm. Victims have been saved with core temperatures as low as 75F. Even with no pulse or breathing, the victim can be saved.

Symptoms of hypothermia include:

Shivering

Slurred Speech

Clumsiness

Confusion

Poor decision making

Difficult thinking

Drowsiness

Low energy

Lack of concern about your condition

Risk factors that increase the risk of hypothermia are:

Old age

Very young especially infants

Mental problems

Alcohol or drug use

Some medical conditions

Medications

Treating Hypothermia

Serious cases should immediately be taken to a medical professional for care. Basic care includes:

Preventing further heat loss

Re-warming the victim

Be gentle in handling

Minimize the victim’s physical exertion when removing her

Remove wet clothes

Cover with dry clothing or blankets

Protect from wind especially around the head and neck

Use warm compresses

Give warm nonalcoholic and noncaffeniated liquids

Use CPR when there is no pulse or breathing

Prevention of Hypothermia

Remember COLD

Cover

Overexertion

Layers

Dry

COLD

Cover: wear protective clothing particularly a hat and scarf and mittens
Overexertion: avoid sweating and losing body heat
Layers: wear loose-fitting, layered clothing. Cotton is the poorest choice. Wool insulates even when its wet.
Dry: Stay dry to keep wet away from body

Remember:

Don’t drink alcohol
Stay out of the wind
Clean clothes have a greater insulating value
Be careful with rain gear as it holds in perspiration
Wear water proof shoes
Do not sleep with your head under the covers as it will increase the humidity in the your bag
You want 2-3 times the insulation below you as over you