HYPOTHERMIA
HYPOTHERMIA
is a serious life-threatening condition. It happens when the body's core
(internal) temperature drops below the point where normal body functions occur.
It's not frostbite and it's not "freezing to death".
HYPOTHERMIA
is one of the greatest dangers when you go out on the water. It is usually
thought of a cold-weather or cold-water condition; but it can occur at
temperatures well above freezing, even in waters as warm as 80°. Whenever you go boating or swimming, you need
to understand and look for the signs of HYPOTHERMIA.
EARLY SIGNS OF HYPOTHERMIA:
HYPOTHERMIA happens when the body loses heat faster than it can
replenish it. One of the first signs that your body is losing heat is shivering
and "goosebumps". As your body temperature falls, the shivering slows, then
stops. This is your body starting to shut down. It takes too much energy, and
expends too much heat, to shiver. The flow of blood to your arms and legs
slows, then stops. As you go into the deeper stages of HYPOTHERMIA,
your speech becomes slurred, then incoherent. Eventually, you become lethargic
and your motions are uncoordinated. Your breathing slows, becomes shallow and
erratic. You lose consciousness, then die.
HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM
HYPOTHERMIA:
1) Avoid situations that promote the
loss of body heat. Keep dry and stay out of the wind. If you fall overboard,
get out of the water as quickly as possible.
2) Wear the proper clothing.
Different materials offer different levels of insulation. For example,
synthetic fibers offer excellent insulation from the wind, they do not protect
the wearer for long when they are wet. On the other hand, wool insulates the
wearer better from the effects of HYPOTHERMIA
while both dry and wet.
3)
Increase your energy reserve. Have
a good meal prior to going out on the water. This way, your body will have
something to draw on in case of an emergency.
4) Avoid drinking alcohol prior
to going out on the water. Besides the fact that mixing boats and booze is
dangerous, illegal and downright dumb, there is a increased risk of HYPOTHERMIA.
Alcohol causes the blood vessels to dilate, which increases the amount of heat
that is lost. This increases the effects of HYPOTHERMIA
if you get into an emergency situation.
WHAT TO DO IN AN EMERGENCY:
1)
Get out of the water as soon as
possible.
2) If you can't get to shore or back
on your vessel, DON'T SWIM! You'll lose more heat by swimming, than you will by
treading water. In 70° water, a person can survive for 18 hours floating with a
PFD, 13 hours treading water and only 10 hours swimming. In 55° water, the
survival figures drop to 3 1/2 hours floating with a PFD, 3 hours treading water
and only 2 hours swimming. In 35° water, they drop to 1 3/4 hours floating with
a PFD, 1 1/4 hours treading water and only 3/4 hour swimming.
3) Keep your clothes on. They'll
provide insulation from heat loss.
4) If you are wearing a life jacket,
draw your knees up and make your body as compact as possible. This is called
the HELP position. If there are two or more people in the water, huddle
together to conserve warmth.
If you are wearing a Type III life
jacket, do not use the HELP position. You may turn face down. Instead keep
your legs tightly together and keep your arms tight to your side. Lean your
head back to keep your face out of the water.
5) Keep your head out of the water.
This is where you lose the majority of your body's heat.
6) Get medical attention as soon as
possible!
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Page last revised on -
07/06/2004
