First Aid - Hypothermia
First Aid - Hypothermia
By Kiya Sama
Hypothermia is a general cooling of the entire body. The inner core of the body is chilled so the body cannot generate heat to stay warm. This condition can be produced by exposure to low temperatures or to temperatures between 30 F and 50 F with wind and rain. Also contributing to hypothermia are fatigue, hunger and poor physical condition.
As the body tissues are cooled, the victim begins to shiver as a result of involuntary adjustment by the body to preserve normal temperature to vital organs.
Cold reaches the brain and deprives the victim of judgment and reasoning powers. The victim experiences feelings of apathy, listlessness, indifference and sleepiness. The victim loses muscle coordination. The victim of hypothermia may not recognize the symptoms and deny that medical attention is needed.
First aid for a victim of hypothermia is as follows:
- Get the victim out of the elements (wind, rain, snow, cold, etc.).
- Remove all wet clothing.
- Wrap the victim in blankets. Be certain the blankets are under as well as over the victim. Maintain the victim s body heat by building a fire or placing heat packs, electric heating pads, hot water bottles, or even another rescuer in the blankets with the victim. (Do not warm the victim too quickly.)
- If the victim is conscious, give warm liquids to drink.
- If the victim is unconscious, try to keep him or her awake.
- CPR is indicated if the victim stops breathing and the heart stops beating.
- Get the victim to a medical facility as soon as possible. In extreme cases rough handling may result in death.
Kiya Sama is an author on http://www.Writing.Com, which is a site for Writers.
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