Learn How To Survive Hypothermia: The Next Steps Until Medical Assistance Arrives
It’s that time of year once again! Wintry temps have dropped over most of the United States, Canada, and Northern Europe. Many regions have already experienced their first snowfall of the year, and having the knowledge to survive hypothermia is essential. At this time of year, people are at a heightened level of danger to contract hypothermia, which is a huge threat to virtually any out of doors survivalist! In this article, I’ll take you step by step to learn how you, your family, and your friends can survive hypothermia in the event that warning signs occur.
Hypothermia comes about when your whole body loses heat much faster than it can create it. You could get hypothermia by being subjected to cold weather, or when you've been immersed in frigid water such as a frozen lake, river, or stream. You can also get hypothermia if you've been exposed to interior temperatures below 50°F (10°C) for a prolonged period of time. The danger of acquiring hypothermia increases if you are fatigued or dehydrated. If not treated, hypothermia is generally life-threatening. Due to this, it is recommended that you are sure to have a winter survival pack with you all the time whenever heading outside in the frigid winter months.
Learn How To Survive Hypothermia: Treating The Symptoms While Waiting For Help
In this article, we’ll review the symptoms of mild to moderate hypothermia. We are going to additionally examine how you can handle the signs and symptoms of hypothermia while waiting for medical assistance to arrive including:
- Phoning 911
- Move the person out of the cold
- Getting rid of any kind of wet clothing
- How to warm the person’s core gradually
- Providing the man or woman warm, sweet, non-alcoholic drinks
- Keeping the man or woman warm and dry
- Executing CPR
- We’ll also look at what to do after medical help has arrived.
You must obtain professional medical treatment in the event that any of the following signs or symptoms are found. Even if the man or woman is suffering from minor hypothermia, you must find medical care on their behalf right away. Minor hypothermia can easily become a more serious problem when it is not treated.
- Continuous shivering
- Confusion or drowsiness
- Fatigue and low energy
- Cold or pale skin
- Hyperventilation
- Sluggish or shallow breathing
Learn How To Survive Hypothermia: What To Do Until Medical Help Arrives
No matter what type of hypothermia the person is experiencing, it is important to call 911 for immediate medical care. The first half hour after the person’s symptoms become clear is the most critical phase of hypothermia management. You can treat the person while you wait for the ambulance or medical professionals to arrive.
Move the individual away from the cold. Place the person in a room-temperature spot indoors. If heading inside isn’t possible, safeguard the person from the wind with different apparel, particularly around their neck and head. Utilize towels, blankets, or other clothing to shield the person from the cold ground.
Note: You should not let the person help in their own personal treatment, as this will only expend more of their energy and intensify their condition.
- Remove any wet garments.
- Replace their drenched clothes with warm, dry clothes or blankets.
- Gradually warm up the person’s core.
Do not attempt to warm their arms, hands, and legs. Warming or massaging these limbs may cause stress on their heart and lungs which could lead to other serious health issues.
Do not try to warm-up the person by massaging their body with your hands. It will only irritate his skin and induce shock.
Ask them if they are able to swallow prior to providing them any fluids or food. Provide the person warm, sweet, non-alcoholic liquids. Herbal tea which is caffeine-free or hot water with lemon and honey are good choices. Sweets in the beverage will help boost energy. You can also offer them high energy food items like chocolate.
Steer clear of providing them alcoholic beverages as it will slow down the re-warming process. Don’t provide them with cigarettes or tobacco products. These products will interfere with their blood circulation and slow down the rewarming process.
Learn How To Survive Hypothermia: Keep The Individual Warm And Dry Until Medical Attention Arrives
As soon as the person’s body temperature has improved and some of their signs and symptoms have lessened, keep them wrapped in dry, warm blankets or towels until medical help shows up.
It is my wish that this article has helped you Learn How To Survive Hypothermia should this unfortunate and life threatening issue confront you in a real life situation.