However, perhaps the form of hypothermia we worry about the most is immersion hypothermia - caused by immersion in cold water (and the water down here is below zero degrees celcius).
Everyone on the crew has been trained on how to identify and treat hypothermia - but just to be sure we don't forget, helpful notices are conveniently posted in the toilets.
Here are some facts and tips from the bathroom down the hall...
Symptoms of hypothermia:
- Mental functions are frequently the first to be affected. Early symptoms include quietness, confusion, a reluctance to communicate and impaired judgement. This makes hypothermia especially dangerous because by the time they are in danger the subject often lacks the ability to diagnose him or herself.
- Shivering (may stop when the hypothermia worsens)
- Slurred speech
- Poor coordination
- Pale skin, becoming dusky grey and cold
- Reduced consciousness - when core temperature drops below 33C (92F)
After core temperature drops below 30C (86F), pulse and respiration may appear to be absent. In these cases the subject is sometimes mistaken for dead. The rule of thumb is, "A hypothermia victim is not 'dead' until they're warm and dead - then do CPR."
Treating hypothermia:
- Remove from cold and wind. Insulate them from cold surfaces.
- Remove wet clothing. Wrap the subject in blankets, preferably with a foil emergency blanket on the outside.
- Wrap body and limbs separately. Sometimes the limbs will contain blood cold enough to kill the patient if it gets to the heart.
- If still conscious and sufficiently alert, the subject may be given warm sweet drinks. Never give alcohol.
- Rewarm slowly. Do not put in a warm bath or shower as this can cause the blood vessels in the limbs to dilate - letting the cold blood there rush to the heart. Also, do not massage limbs.
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