What are First Aid Procedures for Hypothermia?
First Aid and emergency care books usually tell you what to do, but seldom explains WHY to do it. Here are treatment methods and the reasons behind them. • Try to block the victim from the wind so less heat excapes. • Be as gentle as possible. Rough handling can cause heartbeat irregularities and death. In unresponsive victims, check breathing and circulation for 30 to 45 seconds. • If the victim isn’t breathing and shows no sighs of circulation, start CPR, if you are trained and certified. Insulate the victim by applying blankets and extra dry clothing. • Do not give the victim alcoholic or caffeeinated drinks because they increase the likelihood of dehydration. Do not allow the victim to use tobacco or nicotine, because these substances constrict blood vessels, which increases the risk of frostbite in subfreezing temperatures. Also, do not massage the skin of the extremities. Skin-rubbing suppresses shivering and dilates blood vessels, which results in heat loss. • Keep the victim at
