Hypothermia – explanations and prevention methods
Improper preparation for your tramp, lack of appropriate clothing and necessary survival equipment or sudden weather changes can cause hypothermia. You can hear it all over, but what exactly is hypothermia, and how to deal with it ?
Hypothermia occurs when the human body loses more heat than it can produce. The temperature of the vital organs in the body ‘core’ drops to a low level – usually below 35 degrees Celsius. At this temperature brain and muscle function is impaired. When human body cannot heat itself sufficiently it switches to survival mode, which means shutting down body functions that are not essential for surviving.
Preventing Hypothermia
1. Food and Drink. Have enough food with you. Have a good and nourishing breakfast, as it will provide you with energy for the day. Have a high energy shacks with you to eat on short breaks. Always remember to drink liquids. In cold conditions a good idea would be to have a thermos with hot liquid (such as tea). If you don’t have a thermos, and you start feeling cold while walking, stop and heat some water (or other liquid) on a portable stove.
2. Adequate Clothing. Always be prepared for the lousiest weather possible. Take windproof and waterproof clothing such as a large windproof jacket with a hood and overtrousers. Wear wool or synthetic clothing such as polypropylene or polarfleece. Jeans, for example are a bad choice of clothing for a tramp, and in general avoid cotton clothing. Don’t forget about a hat and gloves since body loses much heat from head, neck and extremities. Read the section on clothing later in this chapter.
3. Think. Check the weather forecast before going on a tramp. Don’t carry very heavy loads. Know your physical and mental abilities and limitations. Take breaks. Put on extra clothing while you are on a break in order to preserve body heat. If you see that weather gets really bad consider turning back. Regularly check all your party members for hypothermia symptoms.
Remember, that preventing hypothermia is much, much easier than dealing with it!
In my next articles on the subject I will write about hypothermia causes, stages, and how to deal with it if someone in your tramping party got it. So stay tuned!
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