Mountain

Safety

MS 1_7:FA Basics

(Hypothermia)

Learning Intention:

To equip you with the knowledge to avoid, recognise and treat mild hypothermia.

Success Criteria:By the end of this session everyone should be able to:• Describe what steps to take to avoid,

recognise and treat mild hypothermia in a wilderness environment.

Some of you may be able to:• Recognise and treat severe hypothermia.

Activities:1. Discussion/Powerpoint:

- What is hypothermia?- What can you do to avoid it?- How should you treat it?

2. Scenario

What can make your body cold?

How does your body respond to

cold?

Stage 1: The Cold Response

• The body’s normal response to a cold challenge:– Blood is shunted from the periphery (e.g. feet,

hands, ears, nose, skin) to the core;– Mild shivering;– Fine motor function (e.g. movement of fingers)

may be impaired;– Increased urination.

What should you do?

What to do if you are feeling cold

• Add more clothing layers (Heat Retention)• Get into shelter (Heat Retention)• Increase fluid/fuel intake (Heat Production)• Increase exercise (Heat Production)

• EASILY DEALT WITH IF RECOGNISED EARLY.

Stage 2: MILD HYPOTHERMIA

– THE BODY’S ABILITY TO RESPOND TO COLD IS OVERWHELMED

– The onset of mild hypothermia is a field emergency, indicating a significant drop in core temperature has already occurred.

The "umbles"

• stumbles • mumbles • fumbles • grumbles

What should you do now?

MILD HYPOTHERMIATreatment

• Shelter from wind and moisture• Remove wet clothes & replace with dry.• Body to body contact may be helpful• Insulate from the ground or snow

• Take in fluids (warm drinks)• Take in Calories• Exercise to increase heat production only

once above completed.

Stage 3: SEVERE HYPOTHERMIA

• This is a true medical emergency (but should not happen if dealt with early in Stage 1/2)

• The patient has lost all ability to fight the cold. Rescue efforts should be directed to preventing further heat loss and immediate evacuation.

SEVERE HYPOTHERMIA

• Shivering stops• Unconsciousness• Apparent death• Death

What should you do now?

SEVERE HYPOTHERMIATreatment

• No food/drink if unconscious• Reduce further heat loss.• Package casualty• Handle gently• Prevent exercise• Avoid rewarming

SUMMARY

• Easily treated on the hill if recognised early

• Keep an eye on your group• If left, can become life-threatening

Questions?

MS 1_8:FA Basics (Insects)