What is Hypothermia Hypothermia is a physical condition. It happens when your core temperature goes below your normal temperature of 37deg. You can get hypothermia in cold air and cold water. Cold water can give you hypothermia 25 times faster than in air. It can also happen faster if you start to use energy, i.e. swim.
Your brain and organs in your body’s core are affected. Both your mental and physical abilities are affected, in severe hypothermia you can start to remove clothing with your idea that you are warm, so increasing the risk of accidents, unconsciousness and death.
Who is at risk of getting Hypothermia? There are many “risks” of getting hypothermia and they are all personal to you. Anyone: Alcohol (as mentioned many times), drugs (including medication), the old, health problems, children, homeless, clothing, and many more reasons.
Outdoor pastimes can also be a risk. Entering outdoor water, requires skill and thought at any time. No one should enter outdoor water in the winter unless you really have to, (sinking vessel, emergency etc). If you have to, do it slowly, this can help slow down or stop the “last gasp” (torso reflex). Heads must stay dry and try not to move once you are in, Activity will bring on hypothermia quickly as your heart will beat faster. The “Help”, or “Huddle” positions can help. Remember, cold water can bring on hypothermia 25 times faster than being in air. Muscles and your brain will struggle to work.
Exposure in cold air without the correct clothing can bring on hypothermia. Sitting in a cold room without correct clothing can bring on hypothermia, in an unprotected area, hill walking, climbing skiing etc., can bring on hypothermia. Too much clothing can cause sweating if working outside, this can chill when you stop working and cool you quickly.
You will cool differently to any others with you, do not look to them in a situation, listen to your body. Cotton clothing will not keep you warm.
If your condition gets worse, mental , physical and consciousness deteriorates. Your temperature continues to drop and your heart and lungs will deteriorate, your lungs and heart can falter and stop.
Treatment If the person is in the water assist them to get out do not ask them to climb out. Remove any wet clothing and cover them with anything dry, clothing, blanket, hat, scarf etc.
If possible, move to somewhere warm. Start to increase their warmth with “warm” drinks and with warm towels, warm hot water bottles, warm bath torso only, keep arms and legs out etc. NO ALCOHOL.
If the person is in air, just warm them as above.
Do not rush the casualty, let them warm up. Keep them as still as you can. Activity now can reverse the effect of warming.
If it has been a serious/severe attack of hypothermia the casualty should see a medical professional as soon as possible.
To learn more about Hypothermia, Torso Reflex or Mamalian Reflex contact Life Saving Solutions Limited and discuss our courses