Exposure
causes loss of body heat. This is called hypothermia.
Hypothermia can kill. Defense against hypothermia
is to avoid exposure to cold. DO this by staying
dry and avoid the wind. Put on rain gear before
you get wet. If you fall into cold water, do not
discard clothing; it will help trap heat. Avoid
moving as much as possible. A life jacket helps
in two ways: it reduces the need to move, and
it helps insulate against heat loss. When you
wear a life jacket, draw knees up into a H.E.L.P
(Heat Escape Lessening Position) position. (see
image at right)
If
several persons are in the water, huddle together
so you can conserve heat and stay alive. Treatment
involves getting the victim out of cold producing
environment. Strip off all wet clothing and get
the person into a warm sleeping bag. Try to keep
the person awake. Do not give alcohol or
massage vigorously. Giving the person warm drinks
or food is not a good idea. They don't help re-warm
the person and they pose a choking hazard. Transport
the victim to a hospital as soon as possible.
