Hypothermia

[The Fourth Wolf]

A few thoughts about hypothermia: Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention.

For starters hypothermia is a serious medical condition where the body is losing heat faster than it can replace it, which results in the lowering of the body's core temperature.

Your body is a complicated, biochemical heat exchanger that produces electricity. These processes require a narrow temperature range of 96 to 100degrees. If body temp goes outside this window key body functions stop working properly.

SYMPTOMS:
Normally, we're all with a few tenths of 98.6 but when that drops to...

97: We feel cold and will shiver sporadically.

95* to 90: We begin to shiver uncontrollably, lose coordination and become confused and disoriented.

*at about 93 degrees most people are no longer able to help themselves

89-83: Shivering become violent. People appear drunk--stumbling and slurred speech. Cardiac arrest is a real danger at this point, even for young, strong & healthy people.

82: Shivering stops as your hypothalmus shuts down (the body's heat regulator at the back of your head). Victims become calm, even serene and some claim to be uncomfortably warm and have been known to shed clothing

81-80: Unconsciousness

79: Death

TREATMENT:
If you are alone you must take immediate steps to get warm at the first signs of shivering.
-Build a fire and partially undress to expose as much bare skin as reasonable (for conditions) to the heat. Your clothes keep heat out as well as in.
-Drink warm liquids...slowly. Don't scald your mouth or throat
-Eat something--calorie dense foods are best
-Exercise--but be careful not to work up a sweat.
-Heat packs--if you have handwarmers or other heat packs get them activated and position them strategically around your body: Around the neck, the armpits and groin.
NEVER CONSUME ALCOHOL if self treating for hypothermia

If you are in a group do not be afraid to offend a friend, riding partner or loved one by being aggressive if you notice symptoms. Many hypothermia victims slide into needing hospital care in the presence of other people because they blew off their condition and their friends let them.
-Get the other person warm by doing any of the above EXCEPT EXERCISE!!! if a person needs help they must be rewarmed slowly. Exercise can force cold blood back to the heart and cause instant cardiac arrest.
-Get them out of the wind (if a factor)
-Get them into dry clothes (if available)
-Consider rewarming them via close contact (yes, the dreaded naked bear hug) WARNING be careful not to create two victims--build a fire first.
-If warm liquids are given ensure they are NOT HOT and they are sipped. Hypothermia patients choke easily trying to swallow.
-Get help. If in a group of three or more leave a competent person with the victim and get help immediately.
NEVER GIVE ALCOHOL to a hypothermia patient

PREVENTION:
Clothes: The number 1 consideration. Dress for the conditions in layers and carry a spare base layer in case you get wet. Carry spare socks and a beanie too. If your helmet is your primary for keeping your head warm you'll need a back up if your dealing with hypothermia.
Remember campers...cotton kills, so don't wear any.

Avoid breaking a sweat: Tough to do when riding hard but try to adjust your clothing to your effort level.

Diet: You gotta eat. The body needs fuel to make heat. Try and have a solid breakfast on days you're riding. Stay hydrated. Dehydration tends to mask and worsen the effects of hypothermia.

Recognition and humility: Know the signs and don't die of pride. If you're cold, suck it up, fess up and do what it takes to get warm again. Besides, a little slice of humble pie every now and again is good for the soul. After all,
experience is nothing more than your own personal ever-evolving list of mistakes, bad decisions, total f#ck-ups, and near-death events, as well as the occasional success story.

Ride hard, stay warm, post the pics