Contents
How to counter the dangers associated with the cold?
The preservation of the heat of our body is essential so that its vital functions remain intact. Rapid and significant heat loss can cause our body to slow down overall. In order to avoid dangerous cooling, it is important to know how to react in the event of hypothermia or in the event of frostbite.
What to do in case of hypothermia?
When a victim is hypothermic, their body temperature is dangerously low and this affects the functioning of their body.
Hypothermic shock can occur in cold water and cold weather, but also in hot, humid, rainy and windy weather.
There are three stages of hypothermia. As a victim’s condition can deteriorate quickly, it is important to act as soon as possible when the first symptoms appear.
What are the signs?
Mild hypothermia
- Feeling cold
- Frissons
- Lack of coordination and difficulty in articulation
Moderate hypothermia
- Uncontrollable tremors
- Lack of coordination
- Altered level of consciousness (confusion, memory loss)
- Vision affected
- Hallucinations
Severe hypothermia
- Stop tremors
- Falling asleep
- Loss of consciousness
What to do in case of hypothermia?
- Keep the victim dry and warm;
- Remove her damp clothes and dry her;
- Warm the victim by giving him hot drinks (do not give him alcohol), wrap him in blankets (preferably warmed in the dryer beforehand), place him in the fetus position with other people, put him in the him heated bags on his neck, head and back;
- Call for help if his condition does not improve or if his level of consciousness is affected;
- Watch his vital signs;
- Treat her like shock.
Please note: – Do not rub the body of a victim in hypothermia. – It is important to note that the pulse of a hypothermic victim may be more difficult to grasp. |
The maximum survival time in cold water is:
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How to treat frostbite?
When frostbite is superficial, the victim experiences pain in the frozen part and feels numbness. When frostbite is strict, the victim no longer feels the frozen part.
Frostbite can spread: it normally starts where the skin is exposed to cold, then it can spread to the feet, hands and entire face if the victim is kept cold.
How to recognize a frostbite?
- The exposed body part is white and waxy;
- Pain ;
- Loss of sensitivity, tingling and burning sensation;
- The skin hardens;
- Loss of joint flexibility.
The care to be provided
- Take the victim to a warm place;
- Warm the frozen part with your body heat or by immersing it in lukewarm water;
- Dress the victim without exerting pressure;
- Advise the victim to seek medical attention.