Hypothermia: Just The Facts
Quick Tips to Prevent, Recognize, and Treat Hypothermia.
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Hypothermia: an abnormally low body-core temperature.
Prevention:
- Wear protective clothing: hat and scarf/neck gaiter.
- Insulate yourself from the ground.
- Wear wind-proof clothing (in emergency, use a garbage bag or a pack); seek shelter
- Wear vapor barrier lining under clothes. Breathe through scarf/face mask.
Recognition: Signs of Mild Hypothermia
- Feels cold and shivers at maximum level
- Normal consciousness level, alert, normal or slightly impaired coordination
- Slurred speech, memory loss, poor judgment, carelessness
Treatment: Mild Hypothermia
- Move person to sheltered environment
- Replace wet clothing with dry, insulated garments
- Give warm food and lots of sugary hot fluids
- Wrap person in sleeping bag, plastic bag, or tarp. Huddle with person in sleeping bag.
- Don’t use heat packs/hot water bottles. Boil water so person can inhale steam; build a fire
Recognition: Signs of Profound Hypothermia
- Weak and lethargic
- Disoriented, confused, combative or irrational, or in a coma
- Lack of coordination
- Eventually, person stops shivering
- Eventually, pulse and breathing are half their normal rates Treatment: Profound Hypothermia:
- Handle person very gently
- Surround with sleeping bag, blankets or clothing
- Do not allow to eat or drink (potential for choking or vomiting)
- Get the person to a hospital