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BUT, in the UNLIKELY EVENT of >> Extreme Cold |
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| The gradual onset of the effect of exposure to extreme cold may be overlooked in the early
stages. When the body loses heat faster than it can create it and the core temperature is lowered, the condition
is known as hypothermia. It is responsible for several deaths each year in Australia. |
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| Prevention |
- Carry and wear suitable clothing to ensure you always have adequate protection from the cold
particularly when combined with wet and windy conditions (ref clothing)
- Ensure a regular intake of food (high calorie) and drink. Do not drink alcohol which accelerates heat
loss.
- On overnight walks be self sufficient and do not rely on reaching mountain huts for shelter.
- Avoid physical exhaustion by walking within your party's capabilities.
- Take particular care when walking with more susceptible people, such as young children, slightly built,
weak or less fit individuals.
- Take into account that long stops or immobilisation due to injury increase susceptibility.
- Be aware of the early signs of hypothermia.
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| Recognition |
The early warning signs of tiredness, shivering and lagging behind and stumbling are a signal
to assess the situation and take preventative action with respect to clothing, food, drink and rest. Difficulty
unwrapping a sweet such as a barley sugar is a simple test for loss of usual co-ordination.
As body temperature continues to fall, mental and physical performance declines rapidly, often unbeknown to the
victim.
The danger signs requiring prompt action to prevent a potential fatality are uncontrollable shivering or a
cessation of shivering, pain in the limbs, unusual or irrational behaviour, poor judgement, apathy, lack of
co-ordination, exhaustion, confusion, hallucinations, slurred speech and blurred vision. The victim will feel
cold to touch and is usually pale. Untreated they will collapse, pass into a stupor, unconsciousness and death.
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| Treatment |
The basic principles of first aid and resuscitation apply, in addition to the following measures to prevent
further body cooling.
- STOP IMMEDIATELY
- Protect the victim from the cold environment by finding a nearby or improvised shelter from the
wind and the wet, and insulating the body from the ground.
- Put on extra layers of clothing and a sleeping bag if available, remembering to cover the head.
- Enclose in a waterproof layer, such as a large plastic garbage bag pack liner, bivvy bag, ground
sheet or safety blanket.
- Huddle together to warm the victim by body heat from other party members.
- DO NOT attempt to restore body heat by massage, warming beside a fire or hot water bottles.
External heating that is too rapid may actually cause the core temperature of the victim to drop.
- Give warm sweet drinks and easily digestible food if conscious.
- DO NOT give victim alcohol, cigarettes, coffee, tea or hot drinks.
- Ensure other party members are adequately clothed and not in similar danger.
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