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Beware of hypothermia symptoms
In the wilderness, hypothermia symptoms require immediately action. Keep alert, be careful so it doesn't happen to you. Hypothermia is the number one killer of outdoor and wilderness adventurers.
* Note that I am not offering medical advice, for that you should consult your physician. *
What is hypothermia
Hypothermia is defined as a body core temperature less than 95°F (35°C). Decreased consciousness occurs when the core temperature falls below 92°F (32°C).
Causes of hypothermia
Hypothermia happens when the body rapidly loss heat caused by fatigue, cold, wetness or exposure to wind. Each of these causes of body heat loss can play a large or small role in the development of hypothermia. For example even if you are dry the wind can penetrate your clothes and remove the insulating layer of warm air that surrounds your body.
How to prevent hypothermia
In a wilderness survival situation the first thing to do is prevent further heat loss. Prevention is the best method to fight hypothermia.
1. Get out of the wind, snow or rain.
Seek and build shelter.
2. Clothing which has become wet from sweating, rain or snow is the primary cause of air related hypothermia. If wet get into dry clothes and a warm dry sleeping bag. Since 50% of your body's heat loss is from your head, keep your head as dry and warm as possible.
3. Create body heat.
When you have prevent further heat loss the next step you have to take is to add heat to the body core.
Drink something warm like hot water, chocolate or soup to warm you up - no coffee or tea and never alcohol. If you have something to eat, eat it. Nibble energy snack food.
Build a fire.
Symptoms of hypothermia
Early warning symptoms include intense shivering, fumbling hands and poor coordination. Shivering is the body's attempt to generate heat. A simply field test for mild hypothermia is to try touching your thumb to your little finger on the same hand. If you have difficulty doing this, it’s time to seek shelter and warmth.
Later hypothermia symptoms include slurred speech, mental confusion and unconsciousness. Often victims do not recognize the symptoms and fully understand the dangerous situation they face. The victim needs warmth immediately and protection from further body heat loss. Hypothermia is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention.
How to treat hypothermia
Treatment of hypothermia should be approached with knowledge and care. Learn more about
hypothermia symptoms and how to treat hypothermia.
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