Lesson 12: Hypothermia Emergency Reference Guide p. 62-63

1. Lesson 12:Hypothermia Emergency Reference Guide p. 62-63

2. Does it Have to be Cold to Get Hypothermia?

3. Objectives • Describe mechanisms of heat loss • Define hypothermia • List signs & symptoms • Demonstrate emergency treatment for mild to severe hypothermia • Describe situations requiring evacuation • Describe methods for prevention

4. Myth or Reality? • True or False? • 70F or below describes “cold” water • A living body always produces heat • Hypothermia is contagious, if one person has it, all should be treated • A patient with severe hypothermia complains of being cold • Wet clothing from rain/sweat can contribute to hypothermia

5. Key Points • Humans maintain normal temperature by: • Heat generated by metabolism • Heat gained by outside source (i.e. fire/sun) • Muscular activity, shivering/exercise • Heat is shed by: • Radiation from skin • Conduction via contact with cold surfaces • Convection: movement of air over skin • Evaporation of moisture from skin • Respiration

6. Key Points (cont’d.) • Normal core temperature is 98.6F • Hypothermia occurs when core drops to point where muscle or brain function impaired • Hypothermia may be mild to severe • Does not have to be “cold” to become hypothermic

7. Signs/Symptoms for Mild Hypothermia • Shivering • “umbles” • Inability to perform tasks: “fumbles” • Confusion, apathy, sluggish, “grumbles” • Slurred speech, “mumbles” • Altered gait, “stumbles”

8. Signs/Symptoms for Moderate Hypothermia • Worsening of the “umbles” • Uncontrollable or violent shivering • Confusion or unusual behavior • Impaired judgment

9. Care for Mild to Moderate Hypothermia • Ways to warm up someone: • Change environment • Replace wet clothes • Move out of wind /cold into a sheltered area • Cover all exposed skin • Drink/eat simple carbohydrates. Digestion produces internal heat. Do not drink caffeine/alcohol • Insulate from ground

10. Care for Mild to Moderate Hypothermia (cont’d.) • Bundle in dry insulation • Snuggle with warm person • Place hot water bottle or chemical heat packs near patients heart and in armpits • If patient can exercise, encourage it to produce heat • Fluids are more important than solids: • Warm sweet drink best • Even cold drinks better than no fluids

11. Care for Mild to Moderate Hypothermia (cont’d.) • If patient goes to sleep, wake periodically to check condition • Patient with moderate hypothermia may “think” they are not cold. Watch for altered mental state/judgment • If patient can still move adequately, may resume activities after initial care • Wait until patient returns to normal perform preceding

12. Signs/Symptoms of Severe Hypothermia • Shivering stops • Muscle rigidity increases • Mental state worsens, stupor to coma • State of awareness: semi-conscious to unconscious • Pulse & respiration rate decrease, may be difficult to detect • Complaining stops

13. Care for Severe Hypothermia • Handle gently, roughness can overload cold heart & stop it • If not breathing, perform rescue breathing (CPR) for at least 3 min. prior to moving • Start to warm patient, same as mild to moderate hypothermia • Warming too quickly/too much movement may cause cold blood from extremities to rush to heart & stop it

14. Care for Severe Hypothermia (cont’d.) • Use hypothermia wrap, vapor barrier to trap any heat inside: • Wrap patient in tent fly, sheet of plastic, etc. • Leave face exposed & monitor airway/breathing • Do not force food/liquids • Care for patient even, if they appear dead • Call for help immediately, do not evacuate, unless it can be done gently

15. Guidelines for Evacuation • Mild & Moderate cases will likely recover, may remain in the field • GO FAST for severe cases. Evacuate with extreme care. Do not jostle the patient

16. Preventing Hypothermia • Far easier to maintain core temp than to regain it: • Prevent heat loss • Terminate exposure • Detect early warning signs & treat early • Replace wet clothes quickly • What you wear has major effect on preventing hypothermia

17. Preventing Hypothermia (cont’d.) • Types of Clothing for Preventing Hypothermia • Silk, wool & synthetics designed to wick moisture away • Layers of clothing help you stay dry • Layers help regulate temperature better • Hats prevent heat loss through head (major source of loss) • If feet are cold, put on a hat • Protect hands & feet, change socks often • Rain gear/water proof boots

18. Preventing Hypothermia (cont’d.) • Avoid Cotton (traps moisture) • Maintain hydration • Avoid alcohol & caffeine • Eat regularly, especially carbohydrates • Stay active, but don’t over exert • Know the weather, be prepared for changing conditions

19. Preventing Hypothermia (cont’d.) • Terminate exposure early: • If you can’t stay warm/dry, get out of wind & rain • Set up camp early, before you are exhausted • Early Detection: • Watch yourself & others for behavior /exposure that can lead to hypothermia • Care for signs early, monitor others, if one has symptoms • Being cold affects judgment, believe the signs not the patient

20. Questions???What else could you add to your First Aid Kit?