| Hypothermia |
Hypothermia occurs when your body temperature, normally maintained at 37oC, falls beneath 35oC (95oF). At this level the function of various cells and organs is impaired. This is potentially fatal. You are more likely to suffer hypothermia when exposed to the wind, as your body loses heat much more rapidly.
Hypothermia can best be prevented by wearing appropriate clothes: they must have sufficient insulation, as well as wind- and waterproof outer layers; a hat is also important. Children must be especially well dressed as they lose heat rapidly.
It is particularly important to notice signs of hypothermia in your companions, as it is difficult to diagnose in yourself. First a person feels cold, but often doesn't complain. Then you may notice a change in their behaviour; they become more irritable and aggressive, confused and later drowsy. It is vital to be aware of these signs, particularly when touring or skiing off piste.
If you suspect someone in your group has hypothermia, stop at once. Make sure you are in a safe spot, and that the person is fully dressed and protected from snow and wind. If you can get to a hut or restaurant, warm the person with hot drinks.
Under no circumstances should someone with hypothermia be given alcohol, as the increased blood flow to the extremities can lead to a further dangerous drop in core temperature. Cigarettes may result in the victim getting frostbite due to reduced blood flow to the extremities. If you cannot get to shelter, huddling together should warm the affected person but will take some time.
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[Photo: Richard Price, Ski Utah]
Wrap up warm.
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| Frostbite and Frostnip |
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Frostbite or frostnip occur when your extremities (fingers, toes, ears, nose and cheeks) get so chilled that their temperature drops below freezing point. If this is caught quickly, it is fully reversible (frostnip); if not, the result may be the loss of tissue (frostbite). Less extreme forms of cold injury include chapped lips and skin.
The first symptoms are an uncomfortable coldness which then becomes painful and finally numb. At the onset of frost-nip, the affected area looks pale or even white, and it can easily be spotted on companions' nose, cheeks or ears. Later it turns purplish, before becoming hard and frozen. Occasionally it can manifest by blistering.
As with hypothermia, frostbite can be prevented by wearing good clothing, protecting extremities, and watching your companions. As soon as you notice any symptoms, stop in a safe place and rewarm the affected area. Continuing to ski exacerbates the damage. Hands and feet should be put inside jumpers or trousers, close to warm skin, and faces wrapped in warm scarves. Do not rub the affected area as the skin will be fragile and liable to tear. If the frostbite is well established (frozen-feeling tissue with no recovery or rewarming) you should go straight to hospital where they will try to minimise the damage. Once again, alcohol or cigarettes will only make matters worse.
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