mountain safety. ms 1_7: fa basics (hypothermia)
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Mountain
Safety
MS 1_7:FA Basics
(Hypothermia)
Learning Intention:
To equip you with the knowledge to avoid, recognise and treat mild hypothermia.
Success Criteria:By the end of this session everyone should be able to:• Describe what steps to take to avoid,
recognise and treat mild hypothermia in a wilderness environment.
Some of you may be able to:• Recognise and treat severe hypothermia.
Activities:1. Discussion/Powerpoint:
- What is hypothermia?- What can you do to avoid it?- How should you treat it?
2. Scenario
What can make your body cold?
How does your body respond to
cold?
Stage 1: The Cold Response
• The body’s normal response to a cold challenge:– Blood is shunted from the periphery (e.g. feet,
hands, ears, nose, skin) to the core;– Mild shivering;– Fine motor function (e.g. movement of fingers)
may be impaired;– Increased urination.
What should you do?
What to do if you are feeling cold
• Add more clothing layers (Heat Retention)• Get into shelter (Heat Retention)• Increase fluid/fuel intake (Heat Production)• Increase exercise (Heat Production)
• EASILY DEALT WITH IF RECOGNISED EARLY.
Stage 2: MILD HYPOTHERMIA
– THE BODY’S ABILITY TO RESPOND TO COLD IS OVERWHELMED
– The onset of mild hypothermia is a field emergency, indicating a significant drop in core temperature has already occurred.
The "umbles"
• stumbles • mumbles • fumbles • grumbles
What should you do now?
MILD HYPOTHERMIATreatment
• Shelter from wind and moisture• Remove wet clothes & replace with dry.• Body to body contact may be helpful• Insulate from the ground or snow
• Take in fluids (warm drinks)• Take in Calories• Exercise to increase heat production only
once above completed.
Stage 3: SEVERE HYPOTHERMIA
• This is a true medical emergency (but should not happen if dealt with early in Stage 1/2)
• The patient has lost all ability to fight the cold. Rescue efforts should be directed to preventing further heat loss and immediate evacuation.
SEVERE HYPOTHERMIA
• Shivering stops• Unconsciousness• Apparent death• Death
What should you do now?
SEVERE HYPOTHERMIATreatment
• No food/drink if unconscious• Reduce further heat loss.• Package casualty• Handle gently• Prevent exercise• Avoid rewarming
SUMMARY
• Easily treated on the hill if recognised early
• Keep an eye on your group• If left, can become life-threatening
Questions?
MS 1_8:FA Basics (Insects)
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