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We have had great weather for outdoor activities this fall, but winter is just weeks away and special precautions must be taken to prevent cold weather injuries and possible death.
One of the greatest winter outdoor dangers is hypothermia, a condition where the body loses more heat than it can produce, causing a lowering of the body's inner core temperature which can cause death if not treated quickly.
Although hypothermia can occur rapidly in cold weather, many cases occur in air temperatures between 30 and 50 degrees. Some sportsmen find it difficult to believe that such temperatures can be dangerous and they fatally underestimate the danger of getting wet in these conditions.
As the body cools during hypothermic conditions, it involuntarily tries to create heat by uncontrollable shivering which is a clear warning that a person is on the verge of hypothermia and they should seek help immediately.
As the body's internal temperature drops, a person becomes exhausted and they begin to stumble. Their hands become immobile, speech becomes slow and slurred, and memory lapses occur. Eventually the person becomes very drowsy and they are nearly at the point of death. To sleep is to die and they must find help and protection quickly.
Waterfowl hunters and winter anglers are at a high risk for hypothermia and they should take special care as they pursue their activities.
If a person is submerged in water, heat loss is much quicker. Death from hypothermia can occur in less than 15 minutes if a person is submerged in 32 degree water, while they may survive for as long as 48 hours in 70 degree water.
Exposure to wind will increase heat loss due to convection and it is accelerated by evaporation if the person is wet.
First and foremost, wear a life jacket at all times while on the water. It will save your life if you fall overboard and it will provide some insulation against the cold water.
If you should find yourself in the water, try not to thrash around. This only leads to exhaustion and swirling water draws heat away from your body faster than still water. To conserve heat while in the water, draw your knees into your chest and warp your arms around your legs.
Attempting to swim to shore is an option that must be carefully considered as swimming can lead to rapid heat loss and exhaustion. Cramps and hypothermia can impair a swimmer and they may become unconscious and drown before they can reach the shore.
In most cases, it is best to stay with your boat and try to attract attention. Don't try to remove wet clothing or shoes, as they will provide some insulation for your body.
Get out of the water as quickly as possible and get dry and warm as soon as you can. Try to build a fire and drink warm liquids if you have them, but avoid the consumption of alcoholic beverages that will only intensify the effects of hypothermia.
If an exposed individual is or becomes unconscious, don't try to force warm liquids into their mouth. It could cause them to strangle and complicate matters.
Advanced stages of hypothermia require medical attention and severely exposed individuals should be taken to a hospital as quickly as possible.
Your can enjoy many outdoor activities during the winter months, but take care to safeguard yourself and others. Hypothermia is a killer, but it can be prevented if you take appropriate protective measures.