Re: [Paddlewise] rescuers die/Hypothermia

From: "Evan Dallas" <Evan_Dallas_at_notes.ntrs.com>


> I'm not an expert on hypothermia, but my understanding is that warming a
> hypothermic person too quickly (like from putting them into a hot shower) can be
> *fatal*.  

In the case of acute hypothermia, you are absolutely right.

Acute hypothermia, or immersion hypothermia, occurs when the body is subject to 
a rapid decrease in temperature.  Paddlers are likely to suffer this in cold water.
The outer tissues are very cold, but the core is still relatively warm.  Increasing the
blood flow brings the cold to the core, which can be fatal.  Rapid warming of the 
outside of the person can do this as well.

Chronic hypothermia occurs when the body gradually looses heat.  This is what can
happen due to wind chill, for example.  In this case, the difference in temperature
between the outer layers and the core is less significant and blood flow doesn't
change the temperature of the core downward as rapidly.

While formal treatment of acute and chronic hypothermia are different, in the event
of doubt or in an emergency away from help, treating for chronic is ok.  Gradual warming
(one or two healthy people in a sleeping bag with the casualty, for example) is the 
right thing to do.

I've never suffered from acute hypothermia, but have suffered from chronic a couple 
of times, most recently this past winter while on a long ski tour.  Fortunately there was
a heated hut in the woods nearby and I was able to rest, eat and drink while rewarming.

Mike


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