LLRC SAFETY BULLETIN #2: HYPOTHERMIA

Borrowed, in part, from FISA’s Minimum Guidelines for the Safe Practice of Rowing and the ARA Water Safety Code.

Hypothermia occurs when the whole of the body has been chilled to a much lower than normal body temperature, ie., below 95 degrees F. The following are the most usual symptoms and signs, but not all may be present:

• Unexpected and unreasonable behavior possibly accompanied by complaints of coldness and tiredness.
• Physical and mental lethargy with failure to understand a question or orders.
• Slurring of speech
• Violent outburst of unexpected energy and violent language, becoming uncooperative.
• Failure of, or abnormality in, vision.
• Twitching.
• Lack of control of limbs, unsteadiness and complaining of numbness and cramp.
• General shock with pallor and blueness of lips and nails.
• Slow weak pulse, wheezing and coughing.

Avoidance must be the first consideration at all times. Dress to beat the cold – layers of clothing are more effective than one warm garment. The outer layer should be wind and waterproof. Look out for the extremities. The head and neck are major sources of heat loss. To reduce this loss, wear some sort of head gear.

Be alert to the warning signs of cold both in yourself and others. Coaches of veterans, lightweights, beginners and young children must be particularly aware of the risks to them of exposure to the cold. Exposed arms, legs and head heighten the risk.

Sudden immersion in cold water can have a shock effect which can disrupt normal breathing, reducing even a proficient swimmer to incompetence. Confusion and an inability to respond to simple instructions will become evident.

If a person has fallen into cold water their body will lose heat rapidly. To reduce heat loss, keep clothes on, while still in the water, except for heavy coats or boots which may drag the person down. When hypothermia is suspected, the aims must be to prevent the victim from losing more body heat and to rewarm the victim.

• Do not take or give alcohol in cold conditions. Alcohol accelerates heat loss as well as impairing judgement.
• Send for help. Hypothermia is a medical emergency whether the patient is conscious or unconscious.
• If conscious, the victim should be rewarmed under careful observation.
• If unconscious, the victim must be taken to medical aid as soon as possible.

A very dangerous situation is still present when a person who has been in the water for some time, is taken out. Further heat loss must be prevented The victim must be protected against wind and rain as much as possible.

• Rewarming can be carried out by:
• Removing wet clothing (if applicable)
• Wrapping the victim in a thermal/exposure blanket.
• Others placing their warm bodies against the victim.
• Giving warm drinks (if conscious), but not alcohol.