Hypothermia
Hypothermia is a serious cooling of the body core caused by immersion in cold water or overexposure to cold, wet or windy weather. Your body can no longer re-warm itself and the decrease in the body's core temperature is at a level at which cerebral brain functions are impaired (below 35C).

Prevention:

• Do not wear cotton, (it keeps you cold if its wet) add layers before cooling down and remove them before sweating
• Keep yourself warm and dry (DO NOT compromise your safety for fashion)
• Wear a hat (toque eh!) when its cool out
• Put rain gear on before you get wet
• Change into dry clothing when you are wet
• H.E.L.P. position in cold water
• Look after each other.
• Eat lots! You need fuel to burn to stay warm.
• Drink lots! Staying re-hydrated will help prevent hypothermia.

Signs and Symptoms:

TELL A LEADER, ADULT OR THE FIRST AIDER IF YOU OBSERVE THESE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS IN SOMEONE

• Mild:
  • impaired motor ability (stumbling)
  • mild shivering (mumbling)
  • apathy
  • blue lips and fingers
• Moderate:
  • uncontrollable shivering
  • slurred speech
  • confused thinking
  • stumbling gait
  • grey pale skin
• Severe:
  • shivering stops
  • muscles harden
  • stupor progressing to coma
  • pulse may become non-palpable
  • possible ventricular fibrillation
  • blue skin

• Get the person out of their wet clothes immediately!
• Put them in dry clothes and re-warm their body as soon as possible
• Get the person out of the elements and into shelter (house, tents)
• Cover head and neck where heat is easily lost
• Warm (not hot) fluids may be given if the person can drink it themselves. NOT IF UNCONSCIOUS OR CANNOT SWALLOW
• Stimulate blood flow (gentle rubbing)
• Warm water bottles placed under arms, groin, and neck (not on skin) will warm
• Handle the victim gently and keep the victim as still as possible; sudden circulation of cold blood increases danger of heart failure. If no pulse is found begin CPR immediately, stopping only when the heart begins to beat or the person applying CPR can not carry on any longer without endangering himself.
• Person is to be brought to medical aid