Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Mild Hypothermia
The key to early recognition of mild hypothermia is awareness of the risk of hypother-
mia and the speed with which it can develop. Close observation of each other by members
of the group is a vital element of hypothermia prevention. Every member of a party must
be responsible for observing everyone else.
Cold, wet conditions can be dangerous even in summer, particularly when a wind is
blowing. Individuals who are physically active and generating heat but still feel cold, must
realize they are going to become even colder when that activity ceases. If they cannot pro-
duce enough heat to warm themselves while exercising, they certainly cannot do so when
resting and must have more clothing or shelter to provide protection from the environ-
ment—or an external heat source.
Feeling cold is the most typical early symptom of hypothermia. Painfully cold hands
or feet are common. As body temperature continues to fall, muscular coordination is lost.
Fine movements cannot be performed with the hands, but if the individual is walking and
not using the hands, such loss may not be detectable. The first signs of incoordination typ-
ically are slowing of pace and stumbling, particularly on rough ground or loose rock. As
hypothermia becomes more severe, stumbling becomes worse and individuals may fall.
Characteristically theylagbehind,whichshouldbeanunmistakablewarningfortherestof
the group. If left unattended, subsequent deterioration in their condition goes unobserved.
Shivering may further impair the ability to walk over rough terrain.
Theintellectisalsoimpairedashypothermiadevelops.Personalitychanges,particularly
irritability, are typical. A common early sign is refusal to admit that anything is wrong.
Some individuals are apathetic and unconcerned about their deteriorating condition. Slow
thought and speech may manifest mental sluggishness. Confusion and retrograde amnesia
subsequently indicate a greater decline in body temperature.
A mnemonic for remembering the signs of mild hypothermia is “umbles”: The hy-
pothermic person mumbles and grumbles (personality changes), fumbles, stumbles, and
tumbles (loss of coordination).
At this point the presence of hypothermia should be obvious—unless other members of
the group also are hypothermic. Failure to institute corrective measures can result in pro-
gression to more severe hypothermia.
Moderate Hypothermia
Moderate hypothermia should be defined by the person's condition, not by a specific
body temperature. However, the signs typical of moderate hypothermia usually appear
when body temperature has fallen to about 90° to 92°F (32° to 33°C) or below.
The hallmark of moderate hypothermia is the disappearance of shivering. When body
temperaturehasdroppedto93°to94°F(34°C),shiveringtypicallybecomesuncontrollable
As the temperature drops lower, usually about 2°F (1°C) lower, shivering gradually disap-
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