Osterman|Creative Multipage Publication

adio, some high-protein food, water, and a basic first aid
kit. Remember, this list isn't all-inclusive. Plan ahead.
• Do not apply direct heat to extremities, which
causes a further drop in core temperature.
The acronym COLD can help you remember how to
avoid hypothermia:
• Cover - yourself and all exposed areas, including
hands, face and neck
• Overexertion - avoid activities that cause you to
sweat which can make you damp and lose more heat
• Layers - wear loose layers that trap air and
insulate. Your outer layer should be tight-weave
and water repellant
• Dry - stay as dry as possible. Make sure that no
snow can enter into your clothing and get you
damp and wet
HYPOTHERMIA
Hypothermia is another risk from being out too
long or stuck in your car on the side of the road. That’s
why your emergency kit is so important. If possible,
it’s recommended to not leave your vehicle to look for
help, especially in isolated areas. Staying in the car even
without the engine running does provide some shelter
from the elements. You can tie a colored scarf to the car
to signal you need help.
The definition of hypothermia is a core temperature
less than 95°F. Those at a greater risk for developing
hypothermia are the elderly who have problems
regulating their body temperatures, anyone on
medications, such a beta blockers, sedatives and
the “umbles" – stumbles,
fumbles, mumbles and grumbles
antipsychotic drugs or anyone drinking too much
alcohol, infants and very young kids who lose body heat
faster than adults and can’t tell you they are cold. People
with medical conditions that also impair the body’s
ability to regulate heat, such as Parkinson's, diabetes,
stroke and hypothyroidism, are at risk too. Getting wet
causes you to lose body heat faster through evaporation
and conduction.
The symptoms of hypothermia are sometimes referred
to as the “umbles" – stumbles, fumbles, mumbles and
grumbles – which correspond to loss of coordination,
slurred speech, and eventual loss of consciousness with
cardiac arrest.
First aid for hypothermia:
• Move the victim to a warm area and remove any
wet clothing.
• If they are awake and conscious, give them warm
non-alcoholic beverages.
• Start CPR if they have no pulse or are not
breathing.
FROSTBITE
Frostbite can occur in an exposed area of your body
within 5 minutes when the temperature is between 0°
and -19° Fahrenheit. This is when your tissue literally
freezes with ice crystals forming within the tissue around
the cells. Initially the top layer freezes, the skin becomes
whitish-gray; if treated early, good recovery is expected.
However if you continue to be exposed to the
elements and the tissue freezes all the way through, it
causes permanent damage to muscles, nerves and blood
vessels. This is known as third-degree or deep frostbite.
It behaves and is treated similar to a full thickness,
third-degree burn. The skin is blotchy, bluish-black with
blisters. Often, gangrene sets in and the area demarcates
as well as auto-amputates, but if infection develops in
the area that part has to be amputated also.
First aid treatment:
• Get the victim out of the elements.
• Remove any constricting wet clothing, especially
around affected frostbitten area.
• Elevate that area to reduce swelling.
• Never rub or massage the area; it damages the
tissue further. Never rub with ice or snow.
• Never re-warm an affected frostbitten area. If
there is a chance of re-freezing, it is better to leave
the part frozen, since more damage occurs to the
tissue if it thaws and then freezes again.
26 RUNNER’S WORLD