Selection from Eddies for Outdoorsmen

Hypothermia

      One of the dangers of canoeing, and many other outdoor activities, is hypothermia.  This is a condition when the temperature inside the central body drops below the normal 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit.  Our bodies are designed, not only with a will to survive, but with automatic responses that help to preserve life as long as possible.  As the core body temperature begins to drop, the person begins to shiver uncontrollably.  This helps the muscles to generate more heat.  At around 95 degrees the heart rate slows down and the blood pressure begins to drop.  Breathing and all other body functions slow down as well.  Although this allows the surface of the body to get much colder, it also reduces heat loss from the core where the vital organs are located.  While this increases the length of time the person can survive, it also decreases his ability to rescue himself.  His thinking becomes cloudy and as the temperature reaches about 93 degrees he looses manual dexterity as his muscles become rigid.  Between 90 and 86 degrees the victim usually becomes unconscious.  As the temperature of the brain decreases, the brain’s need for oxygen also decreases.  At low temperatures the brain can endure long periods with no blood flow and suffer little or no brain damage.

     It may be possible to resuscitate a victim even after there are no signs of life.  Organizations like the Red Cross and the Coast Guard can provide you with plenty of information on first aid for hypothermia.  If you haven’t already, take time to learn how to treat this dangerous condition.

     Plan your outdoor activities in a way to avoid the risk of hypothermia.  Dress in layers.  Wear clothes that will keep you warm even when wet.  When boating on cold water, take extra clothes in a watertight container.  Remember, any alcohol in your blood stream will increase your risk of hypothermia.  While alcohol makes you feel warmer, it is actually cooling you and decreasing your chances of survival.

     Our bodies are equipped with some wonderful tools for survival.  The greatest of these is common sense.