Hypothermia, the condition which occurs when the body's internal
or core temperature drops below the normal 35 degrees Celsius,
has many contributing causes - chief among them being in or near
water
Its signs and symptoms, however vary according to the degree of
body cooling. In mild hypothermia, the person will initially feel
cool and start shivering. They might be clumsy and appear uncoordinated,
even becoming irrational and confused. Often they will deny that
there is a problem.
If cooling continues, people will eventually lose consciousness,
collapse and die. The condition is avoidable, usually by following
a few simple rules.
Always wear suitable clothing when in or near the water to minimise
body heat loss - a wetsuit when snorkelling, for example. Wearing
a hat is important too, because up to one-third of the body's heat
can be lost from the head. Hunger and fatigue increase the risk
of hypothermia. So eat regularly.
If conditions are too rough - especially if the wind is very strong
- change your plans. There will always be another day. And, finally,
if you or a member of your group is getting, cold, seek shelter
and wrap up warmly.
Hypothermia Booklet (1MB)
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