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Preventing hypothermia
dbryce@journalnet.com
Following the death of an 11-year old girl in Central Idaho last week from apparent hypothermia, local experts said awareness and preparation are the best means of prevention. More than 800 people die in the U.S. each year from hypothermia, a condition that results when body temperature falls below 95 degrees, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Mike McCarthy, a clinical nursing professor at Idaho State University and a winter survival instructor, said initial symptoms include shivering.
"That's your body's attempt to generate heat," McCarthy said. "Often it's caused by dehydration." Next, extremities feel cold.
"These are warnings to get out of the cold and get out of the wind," he said. Victims of hypothermia can feel sleepy, confused and clumsy. Because symptoms appear gradually, individuals might not realize they need help. A body temperature below 95 degrees is a medical emergency and can lead to death if not treated.
McCarthy said everyone who spends time outside in the winter should take precautions. He recommends eating a balanced meal before venturing out. Dress in warm, waterproof layers, avoid cotton and wear a hat.
"The primary source of heat loss is through the head," McCarthy said. Carry a cell phone, take plenty of water or a warm decaffeinated beverage and never venture out on your own, he said.
Frostbite occurs when skin and other tissue is damaged due to extreme cold. It is most likely to happen in body parts farthest from the heart and those with the most exposed surface area. Symptoms of superficial frostbite include burning, numbness, tingling, itching or cold sensations. The area might appear white and frozen.
In deep frostbite there is a decrease in sensitivity, swelling and blood-filled blisters might appear over white or yellowish skin that looks waxy and turns purplish blue as it rewarms. The area is hard and may appear blackened. McCarthy said if symptoms of frostbite are present, do not rub the area. Instead, use lukewarm water to heat tissue and increase the temperature as skin rewarms.
McCarthy said winter safety depends on being prepared. Commander Paul Napper, with Bannock County Search and Rescue, agreed and added quick action and common sense are crucial to winter survival.
"To survive you need shelter, water and food, in that order," he said. Napper said search units are called for about three winter rescues each year. In Idaho, the weather changes quickly and high winds often create white out conditions. "It's easy for snowmobilers and travelers to become disoriented," he said. Napper advises travelers to stay with their vehicles if they become stranded. "It's a lot easier to find a vehicle than it is to find a person," he said. Most often, Napper said Bannock County Search and Rescue is notified when family members or friends fail to return from a trek. The 23-member team uses snowmobiles and a snow cat to comb trails, and aerial searches are conducted as soon as possible. "We also rely on help from local snowmobile clubs," Napper said. Recent winter road closures imposed by the Bureau of Land Management and the Bannock County Sheriff's Office helped to reduce the number of lost individuals, he said. "If someone goes through a road closure and ends up needing to be rescued, they could now be fined," he added. Stefan Berkel, director of the Ski Patrol at Pebble Creek Ski Area, said staying dry increases the chance for surviving the elements. He recommends wearing synthetic fabrics or wool. Although incidents are rare at the Inkom ski resort, he said the cold can cause skiers to become more fatigued, increasing their chances of having an accident. By Debbie Bryce
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