Hypothermia – A Cold Killer

If you haven’t read or don’t remember Jack London’s classic short story, “To Build a Fire”, go read it here now. https://americanliterature.com/author/jack-london/short-story/to-build-a-fire

My first encounter with the Man was back in junior high school. I’ve never forgotten how important it is to go into the wilderness both educated and prepared. Add the appropriate respect for nature and backup systems for staying warm and you won’t end up like the Man in the story.

As I was rereading the story this morning, I realized that London had taken his protagonist through the classic signs and symptoms of hypothermia. As a refresher, those are shivering, confusion, fumbling hands, exhaustion, drowsiness, memory loss, and slurred speech. Additionally, he suffers from frostbite on his face, fingers, and toes. Finally, he succumbs to the cold, dying in the snow on a lonely Alaskan trail. Overconfidence and under preparation along with some bad choices decided his fate.

While hypothermia is generally associated with getting lost in the snow and extreme cold weather its possible to be affected in temperatures over 40 degrees Fahrenheit when dressed inappropriately – especially when wet and in windy conditions. Pay attention to your body and keep an eye on your companions anytime hypothermia is a possibility – think cold, windy, wet, old/young, tired, and under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Any time body heat is lost faster than it can be replaced, hypothermia is a danger.

Remember, you don’t have to be in the wilderness to suffer from hypothermia. It can happen at the lake, a local football game, or even at home if there’s not adequate heat in the wintertime! Check in on older relatives and friends, especially those who are ill or not able to look after themselves. Be vigilant during power outages. Even prepared people encounter unexpected challenges!

Going hiking, hunting, sledding, and playing or working outside in winter is safe if one takes proper precautions. Dressing for the weather is key!

One of the first things I learned about recreating safely in the Pacific Northwest was that cotton kills. Cotton does not hold body heat in when wet. While down is great in dry weather, it also looses its protective qualities when wet. I learned to love wool and fleece and to stay dry even in relatively mild conditions.

I also learned to keep my head and ears covered, even using scarves or a balaclava to cover my nose and face. Good gloves or mittens and wool socks protect my extremities, and I dress in layers so that I can add or remove clothing as needed.

It is important to not sweat in cold weather, so I often carry the extra layers in my pack while exerting myself and add them as needed when I stop to rest or get where I’m going. Getting overheated is one of the ways people get into trouble!

I’ve added some links to articles that have been helpful to me, and so I will keep the what-to-do advice simple.

When I notice that I am shivering I take steps to warm myself up! Am I wearing proper clothing? Have I gotten wet? Changing into warm, dry clothing or adding a layer or a blanket is my first consideration.  Going inside (or bumping up the thermostat) is a good idea. Warm beverages (no alcohol) and soups are most welcome. Warming herbs like ginger or cayenne can help. Cuddling with a pet or another human is good. Most of the time, simply removing myself from the situation and taking one or more of these steps is all that’s needed.

If, however, I were to notice that I or another person was unusually uncoordinated and fumbling I would check to see if I/they could touch the tips of each finger to their thumbs. Not being able to do so is a symptom of deeper cold. At this point, I’d reach out for professional help. While rewarming is urgent, doing so in the wrong way can be dangerous. (Frostbite requires medical attention to save tissue.)

Conditions go downhill fast. Confusion causes bad decisions. It’s not uncommon for people to be found having shed their protective clothing in later stages of hypothermia, and death is a very real possibility when hypothermia is mishandled.

Cold can quickly become a medical emergency! Don’t be a statistic. Learn about hypothermia, how to avoid it, how to treat it, and when to call in medical professionals.

https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/winter/staysafe/hypothermia.html

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hypothermia/symptoms-causes/syc-20352682

Contributed by ReelCamo Girl ProStaff Linda Bittle