This year's winter is more severe than many previous ones, so in addition to knowing how to stay warm, we must also learn to identify cold injury (hypothermia) and remember how to help those affected by it.
What, besides low temperature, can provoke hypothermia?
- high humidity (even prolonged exposure to temperatures of +5 - +8 °C, but with high humidity, can cause cold injury in a person);
- wind (the presence of wind significantly increases heat loss);
- chronic diseases/excessive fatigue in a person;
- alcohol consumption;
- belonging to certain groups (children, the elderly are particularly sensitive to the effects of low temperatures due to the peculiarities of the body's heat exchange processes);
- wearing tight, uncomfortable shoes, light clothing.
How to suspect and recognize hypothermia?
Stage 1: Chills, weakness, fatigue and drowsiness appear, fine (cold) muscle tremors and "goosebumps" develop.
Stage 2: Cold shivering reaches its maximum, superficial cooling appears, drowsiness turns into a disorder of consciousness.
Stage 3: Suppression of cold shivering indicates very dangerous hypothermia, which can lead to respiratory and cardiac arrest. The victim may be unconscious. At this stage, it is extremely important to provide urgent help - without it, the person may die.
How to provide first aid in case of hypothermia:
- Make sure that you, the victim, and others are safe.
- Go over yourself and move the injured person to a warm room.
- Reassure the person and explain the next steps.
- Call "103" and follow the dispatcher's instructions.
- Remove cold or wet clothing from the victim and give him a non-alcoholic warm drink.
Important: Do not rub your skin or immerse your hands and feet in hot water.
Cover the person with a thermal blanket or a blanket and stay nearby until medical help arrives.
If the person's condition worsens, call "103" again.
If the victim is unconscious and has no signs of life, begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation and continue until medical help arrives.