| 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!
|