Hypo
means “a lack of.”
Thermia means “heat.” Hypothermia is the condition that occurs when a person’s
body core temperature drops so low that it is no longer possible to keep warm.
Conditions do not have to be extreme for hypothermia to develop.
Any combination of cool weather, damp clothing, wind, exhaustion, or
hunger can bring it on.
Most cases
occur when air temperatures are above freezing.
Spotting
Hypothermia.
As the body begins to cool, the brain causes the body to shiver in an
attempt to create body heat. As the temperature of the brain drops further, irritability,
disorientation, sleepiness, then incoherence develop. When the body becomes cold enough, shivering stops.
This is usually followed by unconsciousness, and perhaps death.
An
easy test for the onset of hypothermia is the “hypothermia challenge.”
If you suspect someone of becoming hypothermic, challenge him to walk a
30 foot line scratched on the ground (much like a sobriety test). If he walks
the line okay heel to toe, hypothermia is not a problem.
However, if there is unsteadiness, loss of balance, or any other signs of
disorientation, immediately begin first aid for hypothermia.
At that point, make everyone in the group pass the “hypothermia
challenge” before traveling on.
Treating
Hypothermia.
In mild cases of hypothermia, take the victim into the shelter of a
building or tent, remove wet clothing, and zip the victim in a dry sleeping bag
until body temperature warms to normal. Make
sure the victims head is covered with a stocking cap.
You can give the victim warm fluids (hot chocolate or soup), and can use
canteens as hot water bottles to aid in warming the body.
In
more severe cases of hypothermia, the best way to warm the victim is by zipping
two sleeping bags together, and having one or two other warm bodies get in the
bag with the victim to aid in warming.
Keeping
Yourself Warm.
There are three ways to lose body heat.
By keeping them in mind, you will be much more aware of what you are or
could be doing to keep your body warm.
Radiation - The
loss of body heat, especially from those skin areas exposed to the elements.
A hat, scarf, and gloves help keep bare skin to a minimum.
Conduction
- The absorption of cold by the body when sitting or laying on cold ground, or
handling cold objects such as metal cooking utensils.
This is why a decent sleeping pad is required for cold weather camping.
A camp stool is a must on a winter camping trip.
Gloves should be worn whenever possible.
Convection
- The loss of body heat due to wind blowing across unprotected body parts.
It is important to keep exposure to a minimum, especially in windy
situations. Convection heat loss
can reduce body heat the fastest. Wet
clothing will accelerate this process, making staying dry even more important.
Keeping
warm is the most important part of cold weather camping.
Use the “C-O-L-D”
method to assure staying warm.
C
- Clean
Since
insulation is only effective when heat is trapped by dead air spaces, keep
your insulating layers clean and fluffy.
Dirt, grime, and perspiration can mat down those air spaces and reduce
the warmth of a garment.
O
- Overheating
Avoid
overheating by adjusting the layers of your clothing to meet the outside
temperature and the exertions of your activities.
Excessive sweating can dampen your clothes and cause chilling later on.
L
- Loose Layers
A
steady flow of warm blood is essential to keep all parts of your body heated. Wear several loosely fitting layers of clothing and footgear
that will allow maximum insulation without impeding your circulation.
D
- Dry
Damp
clothing and skin cause your body to cool quickly, possibly leading to
hypothermia or frostbite. Keep
dry by avoiding cotton clothes that absorb moisture. Keep
the clothing around your neck loosened so that body heat and moisture can
escape instead of soaking several layers of clothing.