Hypothermia – Here’s How To Fight This Killer

Exposure causes loss of body heat. This is called hypothermia. Hypothermia can kill. Defense against hypothermia is to avoid exposure to cold. Do this by staying dry and avoiding the wind. Put on rain gear before you get wet. If you fall into cold water, do not discard clothing; it will help trap heat. Avoid moving as much as possible. A life jacked helps in two ways: it reduces the need to move, and it helps insulate against heat loss. When you wear a life jacket, draw knees up into a H.E.L.P. (Heat Escape Lessening Position). If several persons are in the water, huddle together so you can conserve heat and stay alive. Care involves getting the victim out of the wet clothes. Warm the victim gradually by wrapping him or her in blankets or putting on dry clothing and moving into a warm environment. If the victim is alert, give warm liquids to drink that do not contain alcohol or caffeine. DO NOT warm the victim to quickly, by immersing in warm water, for instance, as this can cause dangerous heart rhythms. Transport the victim to a medical facility.

Hypothermia Chart