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Emergency Preparedness

Guide Book

PREVENTING HYPOTHERMIA AND HEAT STRESS

Hypothermia

     Hypothermia is a drop in body temperature below 35ºC.  This happens when the body is losing more heat than it can produce.  Severe cases can be fatal.  Hypothermia usually occurs when a person is exposed to cold air, cool wind, cold water or wet clothing.  It affects people of all ages, and can occur at any time of the year.  People most at risk for hypothermia include the elderly, the chronically ill, young children, infants and people who are very thin.

Follow These Steps to Prevent Hypothermia

• Dress in layers

• Wear a hat that covers the ears, a scarf, mittens (not gloves) and waterproof boots

• Avoid spending long periods of time in cold temperatures without a break to warm up

• Keep moving to generate body heat

• Stay dry.  Remove wet clothing as soon as possible

• Drink water to prevent dehydration

• Avoid alcohol, coffee, tea and tobacco - they can cause heat loss

• Eat high energy foods such as nuts and raisins

• Stay in warm housing or a heated shelter

• For babies:  Keep a light hat on baby's head.  Keep your baby close to you (your body heat will keep the baby warm and the closeness will reduce anxiety).  Do not bathe your baby.  Keep his/her face and bottom clean using a washcloth.

Signs and Symptoms of Hypothermia

• Shivering - as hypothermia worsens, shivering will stop

• Being cool in areas of the body that are usually warm (ex groin, armpits)

• Inability to think and pay attention; confusion

• Slurred speech

• Drowsiness

• Weakness; lack of coordination

• Stiff muscles

• Slow, shallow breathing

• Numbness in the hands and feet

• Purple fingers, toes and nail beds

• Loss of consciousness

How to Help Someone with Hypothermia

• Seek medical attention!

• Move the person to a warm, dry place

• Remove all wet clothing; dress in dry clothes and wrap in blankets, being sure to cover the head and neck

• Offer a warm drink - avoid alcohol and caffeine

• Share body heat by lying close to the person under blankets or in a sleeping bag

Heat Stress

     Very hot, humid weather can cause the body's temperature to rise abnormally high, leading to heat stress (ex:  heat exhaustion, heat stroke).  Heat stress in the elderly, the chronically ill, young children and in infants can pose a serious threat to their health, and may actually lead to death in some cases.

Follow These Steps to Help Prevent Heat Stress

• Drink plenty of water

• Stay out of the sun and heat as much as possible

• Wear loose-fitting, lightweight clothing

• Find a cool place to spend the day (public libraries, shopping malls, etc)

• Avoid strenuous physical activity during hot/humid weather

• Rest often

Signs and Symptoms of Heat Stress Include:

• Rapid breathing

• Weakness, dizziness or fainting

• Muscle cramps

• Confusion

• Feeling more tired than usual

• Nausea or vomiting

• Thirst

How to Help Someone Suffering from Heat Stress

• Seek medical attention!

• Gradually cool the person by:  

  Moving them to a cooler place Removing extra clothing Placing them in a bath of lukewarm water, or by applying cool, wet cloths or sponges Giving sips of cool water (not ice cold water)