Effects of Cold
by Reg Rattan
It is important to realise that you do not have to go on expeditions to experience the effects
of cold. It is surprising how quickly exposure to inclement weather can affect even a fit young
person.
So take care, and remember that exposure can occur in comparatively mild temperatures if the
body is not adequately protected against wind and rain. Whenever possible avoid shivering,
because it means the body is not at its most efficient and valuable energy is being wasted in an attempt to regulate the temperature.
The body reacts to cold by shutting down blood vessels in the skin to stop "core heat" escaping.
When deprived of warm blood, extremities such as fingers or toes may freeze in severe conditions,
causing frostbite. If the body "core" temperature becomes dangerously low, body functions slow
down (hypothermia) and may cease altogether.
FROST BITE:
This condition usually occurs in freezing and often dry and windy conditions. Those we cannot
move are particularly vulnerable. The tissue of the extremities freezes. In severe cases this
can lead to permanent loss of sensation and eventually gangrene. Frostbite is often accompanied
by hypothermia.
Recognition.
The symptoms may be:
Pins and needles
Paleness followed by numbness
Hardening and stiffening of the skin
Colour change to the affected area - first white, then mottled and blue and eventually black
On recovery, red hot, painful blistering.
Your aims are:
To warm the affected area slowly to prevent further tissue damage.
Very gently remove gloves, rings and any other constrictions, such as boots.
Warm the affected part with your hands in your lap (avoid rubbing).
Move the casualty into warmth before you thaw the affected part. If feet are affected, the
carry him or her.
Place the affected part in warm water, then dry carefully. Raise and support the limb to
reduce swelling.
Adults may take 2 paracetamol tablets for intense pain.
Do not put the affected part into direct heat, nor thaw it if there is a danger of
refreezing.
Get medical help if necessary, and in any case seek medical advice.
HYPOTHERMIA:
This condition develops when the body temperature falls below 35°C. Onset of Hypothermia can be
rapid. The effects vary with the speed of onset, and the level to which the temperature falls.
Moderate hypothermia can be usually completely reversed, however deep hypothermia is often fatal,
when the "core" body temperature falls below 25°C.
Hypothermia can be caused by prolonged exposure to cold out of doors, especially in wet and
windy conditions. Moving air has a much greater cooling effect than still air. A high "wind
chill factor" can therefore substantially increase the risk of a person. developing hypothermia.
Remember when surrounded by cold water, the body cools 30 times faster than dry air, leading to
dangerously rapid lowering of body temperature.
Recognition:
As hypothermia develops there may be:
Shivering, cold pale dry skin, apathy, disorientation or irrational behaviour, occasionally belligerence, lethargy or failing consciousness, slow and shallow breathing, slow and weak pulse In extreme cases, cardiac arrest.
Your aims:
Prevent the casualty from losing body heat
Re-warm the casualty
Obtain medical aid
Insulate the casualty with foil or survival bag and/or woollen sweater and gloves.
Cover his/her head.
Take or carry the casualty to a sheltered place.
Give conscious casualty a warm drink.
DO NOT give the casualty any alcohol.
Preventing Hypothermia Outdoors:
Plan outdoor expeditions carefully, any one with even minor illness should not participate.
Take any one who is unwell or injured to a safe place without delay.
Be equipped for an EMERGENCY
Always take:
spare clothing in a plastic bag to keep dry,
survival bag
2 days supply of extra high energy food
hot drink.
Dress to beat the cold
Finally - NO ALCOHOL: it dilates the blood vessels and accelerates heat loss.
All cases of prolonged exposure, whether or not there are associated injuries, should be
considered as serious and in need of urgent medical care.
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