ALL THINGS HYPOTHERMIA...FOR ALL THOSE IN THE DEEP FREEZE THIS WEEK
So many of us are experiencing this DEEP FREEZE this week, and it is expected to hang around for another week. Many of you have to go out to tend animals, or fetch wood, or maybe have to work. This post is dedicated to educate you all about the seriousness of Hypothermia, and the dangers.
OK so what is HYPOTHERMIA. It is a state in which your body has achieved a low body temperature. There are a few stages to HYPOTHERMIA.
Mild Hypothermia
-Shivering
-Can't perform complex motor functions, but can still walk and talk
Moderate Hypothermia
-Reduced level of consciousness
-Loss of Fine motor skills, typically in the hands
-Difficult to form speech
-Violent shivering
Severe Hypothermia
shivering occurs in waves, violent then pause, pauses get longer until shivering finally ceases because the heat output from burning glycogen in the muscles is not sufficient to counteract the continually dropping core temperature, the body shuts down on shivering to conserve glucose
casualty falls to the ground, curls up into a fetal position to conserve heat
muscle rigidity develops because peripheral blood flow is reduced and due to lactic acid and carbon dioxide buildup in the muscles
the skin becomes pale
pupils dilate
pulse rate decreases
at 32°C the body tries to move into hibernation, shutting down all peripheral blood flow and reducing breathing rate and heart rate. While vasoconstriction aids in retaining heat it does little to control heat loss from the head
at 30°C the body is in a state of ‘metabolic icebox.’ The casualty looks dead but is still alive. If treatment is not initialized, the breathing will become erratic and very shallow, the level of consciousness will continue
So what can you do to PREVENT or TREAT Hypothermia
First we need to determine the body temperature. The person’s body temperature is one of the most accurate ways to determine the severity of her condition.
A person with mild hypothermia will have a body temperature of of 90°F to 95°F or 32°C to 35°C.
A person with moderate hypothermia will have a body temperature of 82°F to 90°F or 28°C to 32°C.
A person with severe hypothermia will have a body temperature below 82°F or 28°C.
Move the person out of the cold. Place her in a room-temperature spot indoors. If going indoors isn’t possible, protect the person from the wind with other clothing, especially around her neck and head.
Use towels, blankets, or other clothing to protect the person from the cold ground.
Don’t let the person help in her own treatment, as this will only expend more of her energy and worsen her condition.
Warm the person’s core up gradually. Avoid rewarming the person too quickly with a heating lamp or a hot bath. Instead, apply warm, dry compresses to the center of her body, on his neck, chest, and groin area.
If you use hot water bottles or a hot pack, wrap them in a towel before applying them to these areas.
Do not attempt to warm his arms, hands, and legs. Heating or massaging these limbs can cause stress on his heart and lungs, and could lead to other serious health issues.
Do not try to warm up the person by rubbing his body with your hands. This will only irritate his skin and cause shock to his body.
Give the person warm, sweet non-alcoholic drinks. Ask her if she can swallow before you offer her any liquids or food. Herbal tea that is caffeine-free or hot water with lemon and honey are good options. Sugar in the beverage can help to boost her energy. You can also offer her high energy foods like chocolate.
Avoid giving the person alcohol as it will slow down the rewarming process. Don’t give her cigarettes or tobacco products. These products can interfere with her circulation and slow down the rewarming process.
Please my friend, take a moment to read this. You just never know when this information may save your life or a total stranger. A little piece of knowledge can go a long way. STAY SAFE and STAY WARM my friends
Happy FREEZING Trails Folks
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Image Sources:
http://www.realfirstaid.co.uk/hypothermia/
https://www.wikihow.com/Treat-Hypothermia
It does get cold here in Wales, but luckily not that cold.
Usually no more than -6 degrees C.
So cold...god bless u dear and enjoy the cold wether..take care of you dear....
Thank you
helpful post, thank you for sharing your great experiences with us we appreciate your efforts friend.
Sometimes I walk outside in the winter and wonder... what the heck am I doing living in this country!!! Urghhhhhh!!! But then again, there's something nice about it. As long as you're equipped to deal with it!!! 😊
My friend Virginia movede to Canada, she always tell me about cold temperatures, unbeliavable!! O_O
Nice, very informative! I am pretty sure hypothermia would be a pretty nasty way to go.
Very good information..... And Yeah! It has been cold in Southern Michigan too lately!
Don't forget on "technical" posts like this to cite/reference any sources you relied upon. Thanks
@healthy-home
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Good post. New to Steemit here, following your blog! What do you think about the age old advice for hypothermia treatment of using skin to skin contact to help the person?