Hypothermia

         Hypothermia

W.A.L.T: We are learning to understand what hypothermia is and how it affects people.

Hypothermia is a condition in which your body gets very cold and you can’t move your arms and legs. Hypothermia is very dangerous and everyone should try to avoid it. Trampers get hypothermia often and many do not know how to treat it. Hypothermia appears when your body temperature drops below 35℃. Trampers need to know how to treat hypothermia and how to prevent it.

If someone has hypothermia, they won’t be able to move that much. Most of their body will shut down and all their blood will run to their core and will keep them warm there so that their organs don’t shut down. If they are exposed to the cold long enough when they have hypothermia they will die. Make sure that if you go tramping that you bring clothes suitable for the occasion.

If you are planning to go tramping with other people you need to learn how to treat hypothermia. If you do not learn how to treat it you or your friends could be at serious risk so here are some tips for when you are in a situation with someone who has hypothermia.

1.) Get them somewhere warm as soon as possible.

2.) Once there in a warm place, carefully remove any wet clothing and dry them.

3.) After you’ve done that, wrap them in warm blankets or towels and call mountain rescue or an ambulance.

Hypothermia is very easy to get but some people do not know how to avoid it. If you want to avoid hypothermia you need to wear the following items: a thermal, a long sleeved t-shirt, a jersey, a jacket, a beanie, trackies and a pair of leggings. You will also need a pair of gloves. If you are doing an overnight stay in the bush than you will need an: insulated sleeping bag and a waterproof tent. If you have all this equipment you will most likely be safe from hypothermia.

Hypothermia is easy to get but if you have the right equipment and know how to treat it you will be really safe from it. Make sure that if you are going tramping or camping that you check the weather forecast and tell someone where you are going and tell them when you are supposed to be back.