Destroyer
God
I came across this article, and thought that it might be good to share it here.
Although winter is the time most of us think of Hypothermia, just remember that ANY time you are in water that is colder than 98.7* your body will start to lose heat.
Signs of Hypothermia
Hypothermia occurs when the body temperature (also called core temperature) drops from the normal 98.7F as a result of prolonged exposure to cold water, wind or a combination of both. Once the body temperature drops, shivering naturally occurs as the body attempts to generate its own heat. As the temperature decreases, the victim becomes more disoriented. At 82 degrees F, unconsciousness occurs.
Mild: Body temperature is 98-96 degrees F. Shivering is involuntary. Can walk and talk but motor functions are difficult.
Moderate: Body temperature is 95-93 degrees F. The "umbles" begin with moderate hypothermia: stumble, mumble, fumble and grumble. On the latter, the victim can become violent. There is an attitude of "I don't care" and in some instances, victims have taken their hats off or tried to remove shoes and socks.
Severe: Body temperature is 92-86 degrees F. Shivering comes in waves. Then there is a pause before shivering begins again. The body is beginning to shut down as blood moves away from extremities and into the vital organs. The victim is drowsy and eventually falls asleep.
Things To Do (And Not Do):
Make sure you have a personal flotation device. If you don't, find it in the overturned boat. If someone has fallen in and isn't wearing one, throw one to them.
Don't try and swim to shore. The more activity you engage in, the more energy you are taking from your body. If hypothermia has begun, your body is going to become colder with increased activity. Stay where you are in the water. If alone, use the HELP posture (heat escape lessening position) in which you hold your knees to the chest with clasped arms. If you are with others, try and huddle together.
Treatment
Once out of the water have the victim lie on their back or side. If possible, get them out of the wind and in a dry environment. Lay them on a blanket or some kind of insulated material. If dry clothing is available, now is the time to get them into it.
Apply heating pads or hot water bottles under the blanket to head, neck, chest or groin. But be careful not to burn the victim's skin. Hypothermia will make a person's skin more sensitive to temperature than normal.
Do not apply heat to arms or legs. This forces cold blood in the arms and legs back toward the heart, lungs and brain and lowers the body temperature. This is called "after drop" and it can be fatal.
Apply your own warmth to the victim through direct body-to-body contact. Wrap a blanket around you and the victim. Remember the best kind of warm up is done slowly.
If conscious, give them warm-not hot-liquids with sugar. Avoid caffeine and alcohol.
This article was originally published in October/November 2001 issue of Trailering Magazine and updated February 2014.
Although winter is the time most of us think of Hypothermia, just remember that ANY time you are in water that is colder than 98.7* your body will start to lose heat.
Signs of Hypothermia
Hypothermia occurs when the body temperature (also called core temperature) drops from the normal 98.7F as a result of prolonged exposure to cold water, wind or a combination of both. Once the body temperature drops, shivering naturally occurs as the body attempts to generate its own heat. As the temperature decreases, the victim becomes more disoriented. At 82 degrees F, unconsciousness occurs.
Mild: Body temperature is 98-96 degrees F. Shivering is involuntary. Can walk and talk but motor functions are difficult.
Moderate: Body temperature is 95-93 degrees F. The "umbles" begin with moderate hypothermia: stumble, mumble, fumble and grumble. On the latter, the victim can become violent. There is an attitude of "I don't care" and in some instances, victims have taken their hats off or tried to remove shoes and socks.
Severe: Body temperature is 92-86 degrees F. Shivering comes in waves. Then there is a pause before shivering begins again. The body is beginning to shut down as blood moves away from extremities and into the vital organs. The victim is drowsy and eventually falls asleep.
Things To Do (And Not Do):
Make sure you have a personal flotation device. If you don't, find it in the overturned boat. If someone has fallen in and isn't wearing one, throw one to them.
Don't try and swim to shore. The more activity you engage in, the more energy you are taking from your body. If hypothermia has begun, your body is going to become colder with increased activity. Stay where you are in the water. If alone, use the HELP posture (heat escape lessening position) in which you hold your knees to the chest with clasped arms. If you are with others, try and huddle together.
Treatment
Once out of the water have the victim lie on their back or side. If possible, get them out of the wind and in a dry environment. Lay them on a blanket or some kind of insulated material. If dry clothing is available, now is the time to get them into it.
Apply heating pads or hot water bottles under the blanket to head, neck, chest or groin. But be careful not to burn the victim's skin. Hypothermia will make a person's skin more sensitive to temperature than normal.
Do not apply heat to arms or legs. This forces cold blood in the arms and legs back toward the heart, lungs and brain and lowers the body temperature. This is called "after drop" and it can be fatal.
Apply your own warmth to the victim through direct body-to-body contact. Wrap a blanket around you and the victim. Remember the best kind of warm up is done slowly.
If conscious, give them warm-not hot-liquids with sugar. Avoid caffeine and alcohol.
This article was originally published in October/November 2001 issue of Trailering Magazine and updated February 2014.