Hiking and Backpacking Danger: Hypothermia Symptoms and Facts

Hypothermia is a critical medical condition and hikers and backpackers need to be aware of the facts and symptoms associated with it. It is basically a condition where one’s body temperature becomes abnormally low.

: Image via Wikipedia

When a person’s core body temperature drops below the point where normal body functions and metabolism can be maintained, hypothermia occurs. This temperature, below which the body is no longer able to replenish heat that has been lost, is defined as 95 degrees Fahrenheit.

Here are some facts, symptoms, preventive measure and remedies:

Facts

1. Hypothermia can occur on a sunny day if the temperature is below 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. In colder temperatures, the onset of hypothermia can be sudden.

3. Wind and wet conditions increase the chances of succumbing to hypothermia.

4. This dangerous condition can be lethal.

5. Children and the elderly have an increased risk of coming down with it.

6. Fatigue, poor nutrition, alcohol consumption and hiking at high altitudes can increase the risk of hypothermia.

Symptoms

1. Violent shivering,

2. Stuttering,

3. Stiff hands,

4. Sore feet,

5. Mental confusion,

6. Denial (sometimes combative) that there is a problem,

7. Irregular heartbeat.

Preventive Measures

1. Layer your clothing.

2. Wear a hat.

3. Wear wicking fabrics next to your skin (synthetic fabrics are especially good). Avoid cotton, which holds moisture, as a base layer.

4. Stay dry.

Remedies

1. Get the victim to a warm, dry place, e.g. a tent and/or a dry sleeping bag.

2. Remove wet clothes, and replace them with dry clothes if possible.

3. Cover the top of the victim’s head.

4. Administer warm, nonalcoholic beverages if the victim is conscious and able to drink safely.

5. In extreme and persistent cases, use skin-to-skin contact. To accomplish this, remove the clothing from the victim of hypothermia and also from another person who will provide warmth to the victim. Get the two people into a sleeping bag and let direct skin contact of the body of the healthy person warm the body of the hypothermia victim. Concentrate on the torso, where the vital organs are. Don’t concentrate on the limbs as this may draw blood away from the vital organs.

Your knowledge of the symptoms and facts regarding hypothermia in hiking and backpacking scenarios could help save a life.

by Richard Davidian, Ph.D.

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