Hypothermia

Hypothermia is a general cooling of the entire body and is caused by extensive exposure to extreme cold at which time the body fails to generate heat. Individuals experiencing fatigue, hunger, and poor physical condition are more likely to experience hypothermia and should take every possible precaution to avoid exposure to the elements.

First Aid treatment for a victim of hypothermia are:

• protect him from the elements (wind, rain, snow, cold, etc.) as quickly as possible
• remove all wet clothing
• wrap the victim in blankets making sure that the blankets are under him as well as over him.
• provide the victim with warm liquids to drink
• seek immediate medical attention

Frostbite

The signs of frostbite are not always apparent to the victim since the nature of this injury is its numbing effect of the affected area.

Treating frostbite consists of the following:

• apply loose sterile dressing to the injury
• have the victim drink warm fluids containing sugar
• do NOT rub the frostbitten area
• do NOT attempt to heat the area with heat lamps or hot water bottles
• do NOT place the victim near a stove, fire or radiator
• do NOT allow the victim to drink coffee, tea, or hot chocolate as caffeine restricts blood flow by constricting blood vessels
• seek immediate medical help

Heat Stroke

Heat stroke is a sudden onset of illness from extensive exposure to the sun or other sources of heat. The most important and damaging effect of heat stroke is the victim’s inability to produce sweat, causing the body temperature to rise uncontrollably.

The signs of heat stroke are:

• flushed, dry, very hot skin
• strong and rapid pulse which may become weak as the victim’s condition worsens
• irregular respiration followed by loss of consciousness

Failure to quickly lower the victim’s body temperature will result in brain damage or death. To treat the victim of heat stroke:

• move the victim to a cool environment
• remove all clothing
• wrap the victim in moist sheets or immerse him in cool water
• seek immediate medical attention