1. Hypothermia
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2. 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
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3. Ways to Develop Hypothermia
A. The body cannot generate enough heat due to lowered metabolism – elderly
B. The body loses heat to the environment.
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4. 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
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5. 4 Methods to Lose Heat Convection
Air molecules rob heat from surface of skin
Wind chill
Increased volume of air = increased transfer of heat
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6. 4 Methods to Lose Heat Radiation Infra-red Energy radiated into space
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7. 4 Methods to Lose Heat Evaporative
Heat transferred by fluid loss from body to the environment
Exhalation – biggest loss in cold weather
Perspiration
Urination
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8. 30° to 50° Fahrenheit Most common temperature range for hypothermia
Not prepared (nice weather)
Wet
Most lethal
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9. 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
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10. 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
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11. 3rd Stage Hypothermia Core temperature < 90º 90º - barely conscious
< 90º - loss of consciousness
< 65º - asystole
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12. Look for the “umbles” Stumbles Mumbles Fumbles Grumbles 4/13/2019
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13. 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
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14. 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
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15. Hydration Drink lots of water! Steer away from: Caffeine Alcohol
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16. Hydration Respiration Perspiration
Number 1 de-hydrator in cold weather
No loss of electrolytes
Perspiration
Pace yourself – limit perspiration
Loss of electrolytes - cramping
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17. Hydration Urination and digestion Maintain hydration
Frequent urination
Dark urine indicates de-hydration
Loss of electrolytes - cramping
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18. De-hydration Symptoms
Thirst – may not experience in cold weather
Loss of appetite
Dark colored urine
Dry mouth
Fatigue
Weakness
Headache
Nausea
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19. 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
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20. 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
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21. 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
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22. 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
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23. Trapped Air All insulation systems rely on trapped air or vacuum.
The best fiber materials have air channels
Poly-propylene –
Thinsulate -
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24. 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
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25. High Humidity
High humidity can defeat breath-ability of breath-able fabrics – will not allow evaporation -
Slow down and vent
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26. What clothing materials lose the greatest % of insulating capacity when wet?
Down
99% heat loss
Cotton
98% heat loss
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27. FR Cotton Essential to remain dry Control perspiration
Wet clothing must be removed and dried
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28. Mickey Mouse Boots
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29. Clothing/Shelter Provide dry space
Control temperature of surrounding air
Control air flow
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30. Blanket or Space Blanket?
Two different functions
Blanket provides insulation against conduction
Space blanket reflects radiant heat
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31. 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
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32. 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
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33. 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
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34. Recovery From Hypothermia
Rescue breaths administered to victim is an excellent means of raising core temperature.
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35. 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
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36. Hypothermia's Deadliest States
Alaska / 100,000
Montana / 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
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37. Questions?
Thank You
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