How To Avoid Hypothermia During Your Adventures

Hypothermia doesn't always occur in cold weather. You could become hypothermic even in just mildly cool weather, especially if you haven't been drinking fluids to stay hydrated. When it is cool outside, you may not thirsty, however you need fluids. You could end in a hypothermic situation which is always compounded by dehydration. In order to avoid hypothermia, you should understand some of its symptoms. That way, you could recognize them in yourself (if in early stages) or in someone else.

One of the first things you may notice is slurred speech and clumsiness. Hypothermia clouds the mind and dulls reflexes and judgment as well. You may also recognize behavior that is irrational or uncharacteristic. A lackadaisical attitude towards this serious hypothermic situation is another indication.

Your body tries to protect itself by shivering which will warm it up. However, this expends a lot of energy and you would ultimately grow tired. When this happens, your body will start to cool quicker and if left alone without treatment, your organs will eventually shut down one by one. There are things you can do to avoid hypothermia and you should definitely become educated on them, especially if you are heading on a skiing vacation.

Here are just a few hypothermic precautions to take:

1. Stay hydrated, even if you don't feel thirsty.

2. Don't overtire yourself. Fatigue makes you too tired to fight off hypothermia or go for help.

3. Get out of the windy, cold conditions. If this is not possible, find some sort of way to get out of the wind at least.

4. Try not to get wet. Your clothes make a great insulator and if you get them wet, you lose a good percentage of your heat source.

5. The moment you recognize hypothermic symptoms, take charge and try to find help.

The best thing to do first is get out of the wind. A shelter is optimal as it will protect you from the elements. If there are any wet clothes, take them off immediately and replace them with warm dry ones. If you do not have extra clothing, use what you have on hand, whether it is a blanket or newspaper. In addition, wrap your body around theirs to lend them some of your body heat. Also, if you can, ply the hypothermic victim with warm drinks like tea, broth or even just warm water. However, only do this if they are still somewhat alert.

Whatever you do, do not try to massage the hypothermic victim. If they have any frostbite with the hypothermia, massaging those particular extremities could actually be harmful. And most of all, when you can alert 911, try and give them the condition of the hypothermic victim so that medics can be prepared to treat them when they get to you. This will save valuable time.

Of course, the best defense is a good offense. So always take precautions and head back early from skiing instead of sticking outside longer. Avoid situations where you could potentially be stuck out in the elements. Or better yet, take a little break from your outdoor adventures and avoid the worst of the cold weather by sitting by the fire with a cup of hot cocoa.

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