Many people have heard of hypothermia and may associate it with a severely cold place such as Alaska or Mt. Everest. The fact is that anyone can become a victim of hypothermia almost anywhere when they are cold and wet for a prolonged time and the body temperature starts to fall. Because it can occur gradually, some people are unaware they are at risk. Infants, small children and the elderly are most at risk when enjoying outdoor activities. Knowing more about this condition and what to look for will help you and your family to have a safe and fun Colorado outing. Are you at risk? …

The first thing to consider is the weather condition where you are. Is it cold, damp and windy? You don’t have to be in freezing weather to get hypothermia. When the body loses more heat than it can produce, the core temperature starts to drop. A large proportion of heat may be lost through the head, so wearing proper head covering is important. If your core temperature drops from a normal 98.5 degrees to 95 degrees, hypothermia has already set in. Getting the body dry and warm is a top priority and maintaining body heat to elevate the core temperature is essential. Failure to rewarm the person may result in cardiac and respiratory failure and even death.

According to the information from the Mayo Clinic, people who are most at risk for hypothermia are:

• Elderly – “People age 65 or older are especially vulnerable because they may have other illnesses or take medications that interfere with the body’s ability to regulate temperature.”
• Very Young- “Children usually lose heat faster than adults do. Children have a larger head-to-body ratio than adults do making them more prone to heat loss through the head. … Infants may have a special problem with the cold because they have less efficient mechanisms for generating heat.” Babies can even become hypothermic sleeping in too cold of an environment. Keeping them warm and dry is a top priority during camping or recreation.
• Mental Impairment- “People with Alzheimer’s disease or or another illness that causes mental impairment may not be aware of the risks of being out in the cold. Wandering is not uncommon among people with Alzheimer’s … leaving them vulnerable to the weather.”
• People using alcohol or drugs- “Alcohol may make your body feel warm inside, but it lowers your body’s ability to retain heat. Both alcohol and drugs such as marijuana can keep your blood vessels dilated, restrict your shivering response, impair your judgment and alter your awareness of weather conditions.”

Symptoms of Hypothermia

• shivering
• changes in consciousness
• stumbling, mumbling or fumbling
• slurred speech or confusion
• slow rate of breathing
• cold, pale skin
• fatigue, lethargy or apathy
• lack of motor coordination

What You Should Do

• prevent further heat loss – move person out of the cold
• carefully remove wet clothing and replace it with dry – covering head
• insulate the body from cold ground – placing on warm dry blanket, etc.
• monitor breathing until help arrives – prepare for CPR if needed
• share body heat with skin to skin contact where possible
• provide warm non-alcoholic beverage (to a conscious, alert person) to drink

Related Cold Weather Health Problems

• Frostnip: an early warning sign of frostbite that leaves affected areas white and numb
• Frostbite: frozen body tissue – usually face, nose, ears, fingers and toes
• Chilblains: red, swollen skin caused by inflamed small blood vessels – may have itching or tingling sensation

Hikers, hunters, water-skiers, and outdoor enthusiasts of all types should dress appropriately for Colorado weather which can be very unpredictable and changes often. Remembering to dress in layers, keep your head covered, have available dry changes of clothing, shoes and blankets while keeping a close eye on children and the elderly will help you avoid needless problems when vacationing in Colorado. Being prepared, educated to the facts and aware of conditions around you will be the best way to stay healthy and happy as you enjoy your adventures.

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