RV TRAVEL FIRST AID FOR HYPOTHERMIA

Hypothermia occurs when more heat is lost than the body can generate. It is usually caused by extended exposure to the cold.

Common causes include:
. Being outside without enough protective clothing in the winter.
. Falling overboard from a boat into cold water.
. Wearing wet clothing for an extended period of time in windy or very cold weather.

SIGNS:
Confusion, shivering, weakness or drowsiness. Eventually, the fingers and toes turn purple, muscles stop functioning normally, breathing slows.

FIRST AID:
CALL IMMEDIATELY FOR EMERGENCY MEDICAL ASSISTANCE!
While waiting for emergency assistance:
If the victim is conscious and you suspect hypothermia, get him or her out of the cold as quickly as possible.
Be sure to handle the victim gently. People with hypothermia are at risk for cardiac arrest.

If the victim is unconscious, check the airway, breathing, and circulation. If necessary, begin rescue breathing or CPR.

Take the victim inside to an area at room temperature and cover him or her with warm blankets. If going indoors is not possible, get the victim out of the wind and use a blanket to provide insulation from the cold ground. Cover the victim's head to help retain body heat.

Once inside, remove any wet or constricting clothes and replace them with dry clothing.

Warm the victim. Cover the head and neck. If necessary, use your own body heat to aid the warming. Apply warm compresses to the neck, chest wall, and groin. If the victim is alert and can easily swallow, give warm, sweetened fluids (nonalcoholic) to aid in the warming process.

Stay with the victim until medical help arrives.

DO NOT use direct heat (such as hot water, a heating pad, or a heat lamp) to warm the victim. DO NOT give the victim alcohol!