What is hypothermia, its symptoms and how to provide first aid to the victim - says Dr. Komarovsky.
In winter, so a nice walk on the snowball, sculpt a snowman or play snowballs. However, a walk in the winter season fraught with its dangers and one of them - hypothermia. Dr. Eugene O. Komorowski on his website gave valuable advice about hypothermia prevention measures and what to do if trouble does happen to someone close to you.
Prolonged and (or) an intensive exposure to cold causes that the heat transfer is much greater than the heat production. As a result - there is a general hypothermia.
Symptoms:
- feeling cold;
- drowsiness, weakness;
- speech disorders, consciousness and coordination;
- pale skin, cold, dry;
- fever, uncontrollable muscle tremors;
- slow shallow breathing;
- slow heartbeat;
- Body temperature is below 35 ° C.
Urgent care:
- stop exposure to cold - as quickly as possible to the house, tent, car, etc .;.
- remove the frozen (soaked) shoes, clothing, gloves, and so on. etc .;
- change into dry and warm;
- warm:
- blankets, sleeping bags, coats, jackets and so on. etc .;
- people - their warmth warm (it's actually the only way to heat in a situation where it is impossible to stop the effects of the cold);
- warm (! not hot) hot compress (warmer) to the neck, chest and groin;
- explore the limbs, ears, nose, if there are signs of frostbite:
- skin blanching;
- drastic reduction or complete loss of sensation;
- tingling;
- sharp restriction or complete absence of movement;
- plenty of warm sweet drink hot chocolate.
ATTENTION!
With the general overcooling appeal for medical help, always and urgently.
ATTENTION!
With the general overcooling loud noises and sudden movements can trigger cardiac arrhythmias. Be careful when providing assistance and transportation!
Do not:
- use direct heat sources (fire, hot water, electric blankets);
- rub the skin;
- force to move (when freezing the body is not able to generate heat, so that the warm thus fail);
- to give the alcohol.
Prevention. Frostbite and hypothermia
- Be interested in the weather forecast.
- Remember the great climbers saying: "Fried in the mountains are not found, and frostbite - as much as necessary."
- Do not overestimate your own frost and the quality of their clothes.
- Make extra clothes and a change of clothes if there is risk of wet. Particularly relevant removable mittens and socks.
- An important rule - layering clothing.
- Clothing, especially shoes - not close and convenient.
- Gloves or mittens (better than gloves), waterproof shoes, a hat, covering his ears.
- Teach children not to touch the metal in the cold.
- Bring a thermos and regularly drink alcohol-free and warm.
- Without permission and adult supervision is strictly prohibited children to go on the ice ponds.
- Be careful with the cold food and drink in the cold.
- During walks constantly monitor the status of their children and toes, ears, nose: it hurts or not, whether there is sensitivity, if too pale; teach children to timely inform you of the unpleasant sensations; play it safe and in case of doubt, suspicion back to where there is heating and hot tea. If we allow the child to take the snow in his hands, do not forget those hands periodically inspect and warm.
a source: https://www.komarovskiy.net/
