Hypothermia High Plains Power 4/13/2019 High Plains Power

Hypothermia Lowering of the bodies core temperature Brain, heart and lungs < 98.6 degrees Cover your head and neck Carotid artery Blood vessels close to surface 4/13/2019 High Plains Power

Ways to Develop Hypothermia A. The body cannot generate enough heat due to lowered metabolism – elderly B. The body loses heat to the environment. 4/13/2019 High Plains Power

4 Methods to Lose Heat Conduction Contact with cold surface Fluids – 25 times faster than air Metals – 7 times faster than air Snow – 4 –5 times faster than air 4/13/2019 High Plains Power

4 Methods to Lose Heat Convection Air molecules rob heat from surface of skin Wind chill Increased volume of air = increased transfer of heat 4/13/2019 High Plains Power

4 Methods to Lose Heat Radiation Infra-red Energy radiated into space 4/13/2019 High Plains Power

4 Methods to Lose Heat Evaporative Heat transferred by fluid loss from body to the environment Exhalation – biggest loss in cold weather Perspiration Urination 4/13/2019 High Plains Power

30° to 50° Fahrenheit Most common temperature range for hypothermia Not prepared (nice weather) Wet Most lethal 4/13/2019 High Plains Power

1st Stage Hypothermia Core temperature < 98.6º Shivering Uncontrolled repetitive contraction of major muscle groups – arms, legs, facial muscles Hypothalamus triggers glycogen and insulin to be dumped to muscles to aid shivering 4/13/2019 High Plains Power

2nd Stage Hypothermia Core temperature around 94º to 95º Shivering stops Muscles stiffen Body begins to shunt blood to core Blood vessels to extremities constrict Fingers and toes first Progressively from extremities to core Euphoria Thought process is slowed or muddled 4/13/2019 High Plains Power

3rd Stage Hypothermia Core temperature < 90º 90º - barely conscious < 90º - loss of consciousness < 65º - asystole 4/13/2019 High Plains Power

Look for the “umbles” Stumbles Mumbles Fumbles Grumbles 4/13/2019 High Plains Power

2nd Stage Hypothermia? Non-dominant hand Touch thumb to middle finger Touch thumb to little finger Trouble coordinating the touch test? Probably entered 2nd stage of hypothermia Can be used as a self test also 4/13/2019 High Plains Power

Pre-disposers to Hypothermia De-hydration The key factor – you must hydrate! Maintain hydration – it takes 24 hours to completely re-hydrate Fatigue Get your rest Hypothermia will wake you before you die 4/13/2019 High Plains Power

Hydration Drink lots of water! Steer away from: Caffeine Alcohol 4/13/2019 High Plains Power

Hydration Respiration Perspiration Number 1 de-hydrator in cold weather No loss of electrolytes Perspiration Pace yourself – limit perspiration Loss of electrolytes - cramping 4/13/2019 High Plains Power

Hydration Urination and digestion Maintain hydration Frequent urination Dark urine indicates de-hydration Loss of electrolytes - cramping 4/13/2019 High Plains Power

De-hydration Symptoms Thirst – may not experience in cold weather Loss of appetite Dark colored urine Dry mouth Fatigue Weakness Headache Nausea 4/13/2019 High Plains Power

Eat Snow? Absolutely! Ice is easier to convert to water. Unless you are hypothermic! Cold water not allowed for the hypothermic! Ice is easier to convert to water. 50% easier to melt than snow Greater volume of water in ice Snow has trapped air / insulation Snow in black plastic bag 4/13/2019 High Plains Power

Pure Water Heated H2O is the ticket! Avoid: Caffeine Alcohol Both dilate blood vessels in the extremities robbing warm blood from your core contributing to hypothermia 4/13/2019 High Plains Power

Nutrition Not a consideration in a survival situation Typically rescue will arrive within 72 hours High fat diet best for extended cold weather 100 grams fat / day for 180 lb male – around 70 grams is the recommended max for 50 yr old male at 180 lbs Sugar - detrimental effect in stress environments Steak and nuts – too much energy consumed in digestion Carbohydrates provide best timed energy release 4/13/2019 High Plains Power

Insulation and Isolation Clothing layers Inner – thin material - should be snug fitting and able to wick moisture/breath – wool, silk and poly-propylene Middle – thick insulating material - should fit loosely and be able to breathe – wool, poly-propylene Outer – wind-proof/water-proof/breathable material – Gore-tex 4/13/2019 High Plains Power

Trapped Air All insulation systems rely on trapped air or vacuum. The best fiber materials have air channels Poly-propylene – Thinsulate - 4/13/2019 High Plains Power

Slow Down Remember: Working hard? Fluids conduct heat 25 times faster than air Working hard? Shed layers to prevent or control perspiration Ventilate to allow evaporation 4/13/2019 High Plains Power

High Humidity High humidity can defeat breath-ability of breath-able fabrics – will not allow evaporation - Slow down and vent 4/13/2019 High Plains Power

What clothing materials lose the greatest % of insulating capacity when wet? Down 99% heat loss Cotton 98% heat loss 4/13/2019 High Plains Power

FR Cotton Essential to remain dry Control perspiration Wet clothing must be removed and dried 4/13/2019 High Plains Power

Mickey Mouse Boots 4/13/2019 High Plains Power

Clothing/Shelter Provide dry space Control temperature of surrounding air Control air flow 4/13/2019 High Plains Power

Blanket or Space Blanket? Two different functions Blanket provides insulation against conduction Space blanket reflects radiant heat 4/13/2019 High Plains Power

Recovery From Hypothermia Warm from core out Do NOT warm extremities Warmer blood from core will flow to extremities resulting in lowered core temperature Improper re-warming causes most hypothermia deaths 4/13/2019 High Plains Power

Recovery From Hypothermia Remove cold wet clothing Replace with cold dry clothing Insulate from cold ground Provide warm beverages if conscious NO ALCOHOL Share body heat Monitor ABCs 4/13/2019 High Plains Power

Recovery From Hypothermia Gently re-warm core Chemical hand or foot warmers may be placed: Armpits Small of back Groin Around neck, head, throat NOT in direct contact with skin 4/13/2019 High Plains Power

Recovery From Hypothermia Rescue breaths administered to victim is an excellent means of raising core temperature. 4/13/2019 High Plains Power

Recovery From Hypothermia DO NOT: Apply direct heat Apply heat to arms and legs – this can be fatal! Massage or rub or bump victim – rough handling can send hypothermia victim into cardiac arrest Provide alcohol in any form 4/13/2019 High Plains Power

Hypothermia's Deadliest States Alaska 1.8 / 100,000 Montana 1.1 / 100,000 New Mexico .9 / 100,000 Wyoming .7 / 100,000 North Dakota .7 / 100,000 South Dakota .6 / 100,000 Washington DC .4 / 100,000 4/13/2019 High Plains Power

Questions? Thank You 4/13/2019 High Plains Power