Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
HYPOTHERMIA
Hypothermia occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it and the core
temperature of the body falls. It is surprisingly easy to progress from very cold to danger-
ously cold due to a combination of wind, wet clothing, fatigue and hunger, even if the air
temperature is above freezing. It is best to dress in layers of good insulating materials and
to wear a hat and a strong, waterproof outer layer when hiking or skiing. A 'space'
blanket for emergencies is essential. Carry basic supplies, including food containing
simple sugars and fluid to drink.
Symptoms of hypothermia are exhaustion, numb skin (particularly toes and fingers),
shivering, slurred speech, irrational or violent behaviour, lethargy, stumbling, dizzy spells,
muscle cramps and violent bursts of energy.
To treat mild hypothermia, get the person out of the wind and/or rain, remove their
clothing if wet and replace it with dry, warm clothing. Give them hot liquids - not alcohol
- and high-kilojoule, easily digestible food. Do not rub victims; allow them to slowly
warm themselves. This should be enough to treat the early stages of hypothermia. The
early recognition and treatment of mild hypothermia is the only way to prevent severe hy-
pothermia, which is a critical condition.
Search WWH ::
Custom Search