First Aid tip of the month
Hypothermia is a condition that occurs when someone’s body temperature drops below 35°C (95°F). Normal body temperature is around 37°C (98. 6°F). Hypothermia can become life-threatening quickly, so it’s important to treat someone with hypothermia straight away.
signs and symptoms include of Hypothermia:
shivering, cold and pale with dry skin
unusually tired, confused and have irrational behaviour
reduced level of response
slow and shallow breathing
slow and weakening pulse.
WHAT TO DO:
Treating hypothermia outdoors
If the casualty is outside, try to get them indoors. If you are unable to get them indoors, try to take them to a sheltered place as quickly as possible, shielding the casualty from the wind.
Remove and replace any wet clothing and make sure their head is covered.
See AlsoOnline CNA Classes in AlabamaDo not give them your clothes - it is important for you to stay warm yourself.
Try to protect the casualty from the ground. Lay them on a thick layer of dry, insulating material such as pine branches, heather, or bracken. If possible put them in a dry sleeping bag and/or cover them with blankets. If available, wrap them in a foil survival blanket. You can use your body to shelter them and keep them warm.
Call for emergency help (263 774 452 233).
Do not leave the casualty alone. Somebody must be with them at all times. If you are in a remote area and cannot call for emergency help, send two people to get help together.
If the casualty is fully alert, offer them warm drinks and high energy food such as chocolate.
Monitor their breathing, level of response and temperature while waiting for help to arrive.
Treating hypothermia indoors:
If you are indoors, cover the casualty with layers of blankets and warm the room to about 25°C (77°F).
Do not place any direct heat such as hot water bottles or fires near a casualty as they may cause burns.
Give them something warm to drink, like soup, and/or high-energy food, like chocolate.
Do not give the casualty alcohol in an attempt to warm them, it will make hypothermia worse.
Seek medical advice. Hypothermia could be disguising a more serious illness such as astroke,heart attackor an underactive thyroid gland.
Monitor their breathing, level of response and temperature until they recover.
