Hypothermia
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Hypothermia occurs when body core temperature lowers below 35°C/95°F. The onset can be subtle and creep up on you. Hypothermia does NOT require temperatures below freezing to occur, in fact more people die of hypothermia in the summer than in the winter! As tissues cool, their cells don't work properly: The brain and nerves work more slowly, muscles contract with more difficulty and may cramp more easily, and the heart becomes prone to irregular beats. As core temperature drops, the body will divert warm blood into the core of the body (the head and trunk), allowing the arms and legs (extremities) to become even colder. Symptoms of Hypothermia:
Treatment:
The essentials to prepare for, and to prevent Hypothermia are:1. Know the enemies - Cold, Wind, Wetness. Recognize their insidious power. Recognize your personal strength and the strength of those with you. 2. Prepare in advance for the worst weather. Wear non-cotton clothing. Carry or wear complete body protection. Use it before you get cold. 3. Plan to refuel the body. To combat cold you must move muscles to produce heat. Sugary foods and nibble foods are quickly converted to energy. Plan to carry extra food. 4. Always carry a plastic emergency shelter. A small tarp or a large leaf bag can shelter the body from wind and rain. Such emergency gear is not very big and can be a lifesaver on a wet, windy ridge when you are storm bound. 5. Make camp early in a storm. Cold has such a deteriorating effect on the body you must make camp while you still have the energy reserves to pick the best possible site. Remember, the exhausted persons caught in extreme weather may die before a shelter can be constructed. Putting up tents and tarps takes time and energy. 6. Keep moving since moving muscles produce body heat, it is essential that you manage some movement during the cold emergency. Avoid violent motions. You may cause more heat loss through your clothing as well as more energy loss. The best exercise is isometric muscle contraction. How to set yourself up for trouble on a hike:
Symptoms you may recognize as trouble:
Signs of Hypothermia trouble in your friends:
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Last modified: October 15, 2016.