Hypothennia
Prevention — Hypothermia can be avoided by
being cautious and using common sense. You should always stay
dry. If you get wet, get out of the wind and weather, change
to dry clothing, build a fire and get warm. Avoid overexertion
which leads to perspiration and fatigue.
Always
carry protection from the wind. A lined nylon windbreaker
or light raincoat
that lets your body breathe will help keep breezes from chilling
you. Keep your head warm. The head, face and neck lose body
heat faster than other parts of your body. Proper clothing
is important. Clothing made from wool is great for outdoor
wear. Wool products hold in body heat even when wet.
In cold,
wet weather, eat regularly and drink lots of warm liquids.
This will help keep you warm. Alcohol consumption should be
avoided. Find shelter from windy, wet conditions. Always carry
a personal survival kit for emergency situations.
Hypothermia
Treatment — If a person develops hypothermia
symptoms then immediate action must be taken to stop heat
loss and regain body heat before more serious problems develop.
A wet or chilled individual must seek shelter to warm up and
dry wet clothing. At a minimum, excess moisture should be
wrung from clothing. A fire should be built as soon as possible.
Advance
hypothermia is very dangerous. Treatment for these stages
should be administered by health professionals. If you discover
a person with severe hypothermia, administer the following
first-aid while waiting for help.
- Apply
CPR if necessary. If victim is breathing, and you can feel
a pulse, gently transfer him to a warm place.
- Treat
him gently. Do not massage or manipulate extremities.
- Remove
or cut away wet clothes.
- Place
an unconscious or semi-conscious victim in a level, face-up
position.
- Stop
further heat loss. For example, put victim in a plastic
garbage bag with a hole cut for the head.
- Find
a heat source or heat donor. Placing the victim nude in
a sleeping bag with another person is a technique that warms
the victim gradually. Gently and gradually apply warmed
objects wrapped in towels to the groin, chest, neck and
head. Rewarming must be slow to avoid a shock to his system
that could cause his heart to stop.
- Don't
give coffee or alcohol. The unconscious or semi-conscious
should be given nothing to eat or drink.
- Keep
his temperature even during transport
- Do
not leave the victim alone in case delayed reactions occur.
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