Safety - Hypothermia and Frostbite
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Hypothermia and Frostbite
Personal health and well being should be a concern of all activities
of daily living. This includes those activities that are done for
recreational enjoyment. Though often not encountered, there are
some health hazards that have potential exposure for those visiting
our lands. To become familiar with these hazards, click on the following
links for an in depth explanation of the process, potential for
exposure, and safety measures.
For more information on health related hazards see:
Lyme Disease
Hantavirus
Heat Exhaustion/Heat Stroke
Hypothermia and Frostbite
Hypothermia is a condition that results when more heat escapes
from your body than your body can produce. The control mechanisms
of the body fail to maintain the normal core body temperature of
98.6 F. A body temperature of lower than 95 F signals hypothermia.
Other signs and symptoms include a gradual loss of mental and physical
abilities, rapid breathing, muscle rigidity, loss of manual dexterity,
and unconsciousness.
Frostbite can appear as a robust redden area, often mistaken as
a bite. However, it is body tissue that is frozen by severe weather
conditions. Most often frostbite affects exposed parts such as fingers,
toes, nose, chin, and earlobes. Frostbite occurs frequently when
temperatures drop below freezing and there is prolonged exposure
to these temperatures. Signs and symptoms of frostbite include a
loss of feeling and a pale appearance of the affected extremity.
Treatment of frostbite includes seeking medical attention and a
slow rewarming of the affected areas.
The key to preventing hypothermia and frostbite is to take precautions
in exposing your body to conditions that allow the core body temperature
to decrease. Protective clothing (layered clothing) should be worn.
Be aware and plan for weather conditions. Avoid getting wet in cold
weather.
Treatment of hypothermia varies with the severity of the disease.
For mild hypothermia, warming is the key. Any wet clothes should
be removed. Warm liquids should be given and the person kept warm
for several hours. For moderate hypothermia, the person should be
treated the same as mild, but no drinks given because of the deteriorating
mental status. Medical attention should be obtained immediately.
With severe cases, the person may be semiconscious or unconscious.
Cover should be applied to prevent further heat loss and medical
attention obtained immediately. If total loss of unconsciousness
occurs, the person should be checked for a pulse and breathing and
Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation began if warranted.
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