First Aid - Hypothermia
Hypothermia is serious life threatening condition that can occur to people who expose themselves to extreme cold too long. Prevention is simple: keep yourself warm and dry using layers and the correct gear for the activity your are going to undertake. Avoid exposing yourself to extreme temperatures all together.
Learn more about the full details on Hypothermia and the treament on the following website: Hypothermia.org
First Aid Treatment
It is essential to call for medical professionals as soon as possible. The most important phase of treatment is the prevention of post-rescue collapse during the first 30 minutes following rescue, and during transportation to a medical facility:
- After-drop
A further cooling of core temperature occurs after the victim is removed from the cold environment. This after-drop is often responsible for post-rescue collapse.
- Pre-hospital stabilization
Preventing respiratory heat loss and progressive cooling, of the heart through the tissues is essential. This cooling if not arrested, can lead to ventricular fibrillation of the heart. Patients who are unconscious, with a temperature below 30°C or 80°F, may not respond to defibrillation. Thermally stabilizing a patient with suitable equipment is necessary, both before transportation and enroute to the hospital to prevent additional cardiac complications.
- Core rewarming
This is the most effective treatment for all cases of moderate to severe hypothermia, whether treatment occurs in the hospital or in the field.
- Inhalation rewarming
As the only non-invasive hospital treatment suitable for active core rewarming in the field, inhalation rewarming donates heat directly to the head, neck, and thoracic core (the critical core) through inhalation of warm, water-saturated air at 43 - 45°C (107 - 122°F). This method also warms the hypothalemus, the temperature regulation center, the respiratory center, and the cardiac center at the base of the brainstem. In many cases, this rewarming of the central nervous system at the brainstem reverses the cold-induced depression of the respiratory centers and improves the level of consciousness.
Beside this strategic donation of heat, inhalation rewarming also eliminates Respiratory heat loss. This accounts for 10% to 30% of the body's heat loss. This is particularly important in rescue situations where the ambient air is cold.
In summary, inhalation rewarming is highly effective in providing "basic life support" through thermally stabilizing the core and brainstem temperatures. It is safe for treatment for all levels of hypothermia, but is particularly important for severe cases, because insulating alone (blankets), does not prevent further cooling of the core.
The first half hour during rescue is the most critical phase of hypothermia management. Avoid having the victim assist with their own rescue. Muscular activity by the hypothermic victim pumps cold peripheral blood from the arms and legs into the central circulation causing the core temperature to drop even further. Gentle handling is critical! A cold heart is particular susceptible to ventricular fibrillation, and some victims may suffer fatal ventriculation when jolted about during initial handling or transportation.
Hypothermia Field Chart
Use the following chart when confronted with Hypothermia in the field:
Avoid Hypothermia by always keeping yourself warm and dry. Like any other medical problem, prevention is always a key.
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