“This year’s winter is more severe than many previous ones, so in addition to knowing how to stay warm, we must learn to recognize hypothermia,” the message says.
Causes of hypothermia:
- low temperatures;
- high humidity;
- wind;
- chronic diseases and excessive fatigue in humans;
- alcohol consumption.
Children and the elderly are especially sensitive to hypothermia.
How to recognize hypothermia
A person who has suffered from hypothermia, in addition to weakness, fatigue and drowsiness, also develops “goose bumps”. If this is not prevented, then gradually the trembling reaches a maximum, superficial cooling appears, and drowsiness turns into a disorder of consciousness.
Suppression of cold shivering indicates a very dangerous cooling condition – hypothermia. This can lead to respiratory and cardiac arrest. At this stage, it is very important to urgently provide assistance, otherwise the person will die.
How to act to help
- Move the person with hypothermia to a warm area.
- Contact doctors by calling “103”.
- Remove cold or wet clothing from the victim and give a warm, non-alcoholic drink.
This can't be done
- Do not rub your skin or immerse your hands and feet in hot water.
- Cover the person with a thermal blanket or blanket and stay nearby until paramedics arrive.
- If the person's condition worsens, call 103 again.
- If the victim has lost consciousness and has no signs of life, begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation and continue until paramedics arrive.
