It's the middle of winter here right now and if you are in the outdoors , up mountains , in the bush, or in the water then hypothermia becomes a greater risk to your life.

 

Remember   HYPOTHERMIA CAN KILL

 

Hypothermia is the loss of body heat caused by:

1. Wet Clothing  -   less insulation from the dampness

2. Wind - will drag out the heat

3. Cold - remember temperature drops with altitude (albedo)

 

 

Even the fit and healthy can succumb to hypothermia.  Young and old are at risk

 

The symptoms can look like simple fatigue, even the victim may not realise the danger they are in

 

People have died of hypothermia without once complaining of the cold

 

If one person has symptoms, others in the party may also have hypothermia

 

Its best to 4 or more people in your party (if tramping) so one can stay with the victim while two go for help

 

YOU MUST:

Stop!

 

Find Shelter - get out of wind and rain

 

Get Victim into a sleeping bag -  put in drink bottles with warm water or a companion in the bag to warm the victim

 

Warm sweet drinks - help warm the victim from the inside

 

Place - the victim in horizontal recovery position

 

Handle - an unconscious victim with extreme care an only move them when absolutely necessary

 

Monitor - for changes in level of consciousness and temperature

 

Check airway - start resuscitation if breathing stops

 

 

Give alcohol

Rub the victim

Use rapid reheating