Hypothermia
Travel Health

From: Travel Health Information and Advice

Hypothermia
Hypothermia is caused when the body's core temperature drops to below 95 degrees Fahrenheit and can range from mild to severe symptoms which can be fatal.

Symptoms of Hypothermia
Symptoms of hypothermia vary depending on the severity:

Shivering
Feeling sick
Confusion
Lethargy
Quickened heart rate

As the hypothermia progresses symptoms can include:

Lips can turn blue
Fingers and toes can become pale yellow and numb
Difficulty talking, words may become slurred
Poor coordination
Increased confusion
Shivering often stops
Irregular heartbeat that begins to slows down.
Breathing becomes slow and difficult
Unconsciousness

If left untreated, severe symptoms can include:

Coma
Decrease in pulse rate
Decrease in breathing rate
Organ failure
Severe confusion and disorientation
Some patients remove clothing
Death

Cause of Hypothermia
Hypothermia is caused when the body's core temperature drops, this can be as a result of prolonged exposure to cold weather conditions or immersion into cold water.

Most At Risk From Hypothermia
Due to their inability to generate enough heat the elderly and young are high risk. People under the influence of drugs or alcohol are at risk due to impaired body functions. And some medications and medical conditions can also put people at risk of hypothermia.

Preventing Hypothermia
There are several ways to help avoid hypothermia such as:

Clothing
Wear plenty of suitable clothing such as coats, gloves, socks, hats and thermal layers. Clothing needs to be breathable, wind proof and waterproof
Stay Dry
Being cold and wet will increase the risk of hypothermia.
Shelter
Where possible allow your body to sufficiently warm up by taking rest and shelter, this is especially important in severe weather conditions.
Recognise Hypothermia
Being able to quickly recognise and take action can greatly help reduce the severity of hypothermia for you and your companions.
Food And Drink
In cold weather conditions eating small frequent meals that are high in carbohydrates can be beneficial as well as drinking plenty of water. Avoid drinks known to cause dehydration such as caffeine and alcohol.
Exhaustion
Becoming exhausted can exasperate hypothermia so plan to cover reasonable distances at a steady pace so as not to become exhausted.
Equipment
Make sure that you have suitable equipment such as tent, sleeping bag, clothing, suitable footwear and the means to contact the emergency services.
Weather
Check weather forecasts before you set off and be prepared for conditions to set in quite fast at times especially in high locations and take appropriate measures to not get caught out.

Treatment for Hypothermia
If you suspect hypothermia then seek medical attention as the condition can be fatal if left untreated and can quickly deteriorate. It is important to warm up the affected person by taking immediate shelter, removing any cold wet clothing and replacing it with lots of dry clothing. Depending on the extent of the symptoms warm drinks (but not alcohol) are essential and where appropriate a small carbohydrate snack. Closely monitor to see if symptoms start to deteriorate.

Hypothermia Travel Health

Hypothermia
Travel Health