Under normal conditions, the human body maintains a temperature of 37 degrees Celsius. When the body’s heat production cannot keep up with heat dissipation, the temperature may drop. The body responds with shivering, signaling the need for additional clothing, high-calorie food, or a warm drink. However, during continuous exercise, such as running, it is challenging to perceive shivering until more severe symptoms arise, causing a sudden drop in physical performance.
Hypothermia is not exclusive to extremely cold conditions; in fact, most rescue cases occur in temperatures between 5 to 0 degrees Celsius. Unanticipated rain and strong winds can easily lead to hypothermia when individuals are not adequately dressed for the relatively mild temperatures. This often overlooked danger poses a significant risk.
In cold environments, the energy that would normally be supplied to muscles for movement is redirected to generate heat. Therefore, inadequate clothing in cold weather can lead to a decline in athletic performance. Additionally, pain can inhibit shivering, causing rescuers or even the injured person to underestimate the risk of hypothermia, making warmth crucial during the waiting period for assistance.
When the body temperature drops below 35 degrees Celsius, severe hypothermia sets in. At this point, the central nervous system recognizes that the body’s heat supply is insufficient to maintain overall temperature, strategically prioritizing heat distribution to vital organs while neglecting less critical areas like limbs. Shivering stops, blood circulation focuses on the core, resulting in a slower heartbeat, slowed breathing, and thickened blood unable to carry sufficient oxygen. Dehydration at this stage exacerbates the situation.
As the temperature drops below 32 degrees, strange symptoms emerge, including incoherent speech, stumbling while walking, and loss of coordination in hands. Due to reduced blood flow, lips and fingertips turn purple-blue. Normally, pressing on the fingers would turn the skin white, but in severe hypothermia, blood circulation slows, prolonging the return to normal color.
Below 32 degrees, unconsciousness occurs, accompanied by irregular or stopped heartbeats. The central nervous system, in a state of “desperation,” releases blood originally reserved for protecting internal organs. Rescuers may notice that a hypothermic person complains of feeling hot while being cold to the touch and suddenly starts undressing.
Rescue Methods for Hypothermia:
- Ensure your safety first; don’t risk hypothermia while attempting to rescue someone.
- Immediately stop further heat loss by changing into dry clothes, finding shelter from wind and rain, and insulating the body from the ground.
- Gradually replenish warmth from the inside out with warm, high-calorie beverages and foods. Avoid alcohol and caffeine. Rescue measures must be gentle to prevent the sudden influx of low-temperature blood into vital organs.
- If the hypothermic person loses consciousness or has no pulse, refrain from attempting cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) unless you can sustain it until they reach a hospital. The central nervous system may be suppressing functions to protect critical organs.
Lastly, don’t underestimate the importance of mutual encouragement. Providing positive mental support to a hypothermic person can motivate them to keep moving until reaching a safe location.
Preventive Measures for Hypothermia:
- Consume food and water regularly during exercise to enhance performance and prevent hypothermia by providing the body with energy for heat production.
- Wear suitable clothing for weather conditions, focusing on thickness, windproofing, and moisture-wicking properties. Pay special attention to keeping the head and neck warm, often overlooked by runners.
Advice for Trail Runners:
While mandatory equipment for trail running events may seem excessive at times, it is essential to recognize their value. Safety gear may not be used every time, but its presence is crucial in emergencies. Just as wearing a seatbelt and having airbags may not prevent accidents for a lifetime of driving, they remain vital when needed.
Elevating awareness of the risks associated with mountain sports is the most valuable investment an outdoor enthusiast can make. When no one reminds us to fasten our seatbelt, or others neglect to do so, we must take the initiative for our own safety.