KALTE / NIEDRIGE TEMPERATUREN: Risiken von HYPOTHERMIE und EINFRIEREN; Maßnahmen zur Vorbeugung und Behandlung seiner schädlichen Auswirkungen / TEMPERATURAS FRIAS / BAIXAS: Riscos de HIPOTERMIA e CONGELAÇÃO; medidas para prevenir e tratar seus efeitos nocivos / REDDO / BASSA TEMPERATURA: Rischi di IPOTERMIA e GELO; misure per prevenire e curare i suoi effetti nocivi / 低溫/低溫：體溫過低和凍結的風險； 預防和治療有害影響的措施 / 低温/低温：低体温症および凍結のリスク; その有害な影響を防止および治療するための措置 / COLD / कम तापमान: HYPOTHERMIA और फ्रीज़िंग के जोखिम; इसके हानिकारक प्रभावों को रोकने और उपचार करने के उपाय / البرودة: مخاطر ارتفاع درجة حرارة الجسم وعضة الصقيع ؛
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Despite the announced global warming and the climatic change, the cold and low winter temperatures continue to appear punctually year after year and their harmful effects (winds, storms, frosts, snowstorms, snow avalanches, etc.) continue to cause accidents, hypothermia, frostbite, bronchiolitis , pneumonia, interruption of many work activities and many other negative consequences for health, road t,raffic and mobility in general.
It seems that the ideal temperatures for humans are between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius (between 59 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit); If they begin to descend, we feel the need to shelter ourselves and seek refuge.
In everyday winter situations, we all try to protect ourselves from the cold, through a series of common behaviors: wearing warm clothes, taking refuge in warm places, increasing instruments or heating devices, stoves, radiators, rooms with small spaces, beds with canopies And even, if the need requires it, I increase physical contact with other people or animals to give each other warmth ...
One of the most effective procedures is to use isothermal clothing, tents with special insulation, sleeping bags, leather boots, etc., such as those used by mountaineers and mountaineers to stay and camp in high mountain areas, where cold temperatures are usually frequent.
(See links, at the end, about tents and sleeping bags as used by mountaineers to combat the cold in the home, caravan, vehicle, etc., when there is no heating)
Because, when the thermometer reads below 0º C, the rain turns into snow, there is frost and, unless protective measures are taken, there is the risk of suffering injuries from hypothermia and frostbite that can be very serious and even lethal to life
The danger increases for those who have diminished defenses (sick, elderly, malnourished, alcoholics, drug addicts, etc.)
Both hypothermia and frostbite are often a frequent problem in sports activities such as mountaineering, skiing or mountaineering.
Hypothermia
It is caused by a drop in body temperature below 35 ° C (95 ° F)
There are different degrees and symptoms:
H. mild.- Symptoms: tremors, mental confusion, clumsiness of movements, tachycardia and goose bumps
H. moderate .- Symptoms: increase of tremors, mental confusion, clumsiness, disorientation, drowsiness, memory loss, chills, paleness, bluish tone of the lips, ears and fingers, bradydia and polyuria; may increase tremors and heart and respiratory rates Hand and foot movements are slow and clumsy
H. severe.- Symptoms: low blood pressure, pulse and very weak but fast heartbeat (tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation), dilation of the pupils, difficulty speaking, slow thinking, the tremors stop, inability to move hands and legs, lack of muscular coordination, incoherent behavior, amnesia, stupor, drowsiness, strange or irrational behaviors and mental confusion, loss of consciousness, organic failures, breathing and weak and slow heartbeats, failures and stops in vital organs, finally appearing the so-called clinical death, although the victim may not be dead yet, as brain death usually occurs somewhat later
(For this reason we must bear in mind that, frequently, the immobility and unconsciousness of the subject, as well as the absence of pulsations in the wrist, can make us believe that he is dead, but still alive: for this reason it is advisable to also take the pulsations in the neck and better wait for a medical confirmation)
Freezing
It consists of injuries that occur as a result of very low temperatures.
It especially affects certain areas of the body, with greater exposure to the elements and less blood supply, such as hands, feet, nose, face or ears.
If a severe frostbite is not treated immediately, there is a risk that the limb may have to be amputated
Symptoms:
The symptoms of frostbite usually appear successively throughout the time in which we remain under the effects of intense cold (equal to or less than 0ºC), starting with hypothermia and continuing until an injury or injuries are produced in a specific limb or area
The symptoms begin with a sensation of intense cold in the affected limb or area, followed by shivering, pain and paleness; If the process is not stopped or remedied, it gives way to insensitivity, the pain disappears and the skin appears bluish and hardened; later, if the aggravation continues, sometimes bloody blisters may occur; In these cases the damage may be definitive and the organ irrecoverable; a few days later the skin of the affected area shows a hard and blackened layer that must be surgically amputated
Prevention measures to avoid hypothermia and frostbite
- Protect yourself from the intense cold, wind or water; look for warm and dry places
- Protect / shelter especially the head, ears, nose, hands and feet, but also the trunk, arms and legs; wear several layers of outerwear with wool and waterproof outerwear (isothermal anoraks, long johns under pants, gloves, hats, balaclava, socks, earmuffs, glasses, scarves, etc.)
It is convenient to graduate the number of garments to put on or take off according to the rise or fall of temperatures and the intensity of the exercises; this so as not to sweat excessively
And it is also advisable that the coat or outer garment, in addition to protecting against cold air, wind, rain or snow, is breathable; all this to avoid an accumulation of sweat that would "wet" and cool us inside
- Eating foods that contain high levels of carbohydrates, fats, proteins and calories
- Consume plenty of fluids to maintain sufficient hydration and compensate for the losses that occur through sweat and breathing
- Do not smoke or consume alcohol or drugs
- During the colder seasons, do not practice or suspend outdoor sports and especially water sports, cycling, skiing and mountaineering (in any case - even in summer - wear suitable equipment: raincoat, mountain boots, anoraks, sleeping bags, isothermal tents, etc)
- Also avoid, postpone or suspend car trips by road and check the weather forecasts before starting the trip (always carry chains and a couple of blankets in the trunk in anticipation of a possible breakdown that could deprive us of the vehicle's heating )
- Always carry a mobile phone
Preclinical treatment measures for symptoms of hypothermia and / or frostbite
- At first, if some symptoms of hypothermia or excessive cold begin to be noticed, we must make an effort to carry out movements (shaking arms and legs, doing squats, jumping, opening arms and legs, simulated boxing, etc); loosen excessively tight clothing and warm the affected area or limb (put a cold hand or fingers under the armpits or in the groin, or in the case of the nose or ears, warm them by placing the hands on top but without rubbing or hitting).
- Depending on the degree of affectation, the most prudent thing, in addition to notifying the emergency medical services (112 in Spain), is to move the subject as little as possible, but to protect it and isolated from the cold outside and from the ground in a warm environment (it can serve a high mountain tent or inside a vehicle) remove wet clothes and wrap them with dry clothes or a blanket and if this is not possible try to maintain their body heat with the possible resources: warm compresses or close to the body of the caregiver or from other people
- Do not use means or sources of direct heat (friction, hot water, electric pillows, water heaters, stoves, etc.) to warm the subject, since sudden or excessive heating can seriously harm him causing adverse reactions; mild, passive and progressive room heating is better
- If there are frostbites on the fingers or toes, protect or bandage them, loosely, with warm handkerchiefs or canvases, avoiding pressing or rubbing them
- If the affected person is unconscious: check breathing. If not breathing, give CPR with 30 compressions alternating with 2 breaths
- If he is conscious and awake, give him water or hot liquids, without alcohol or caffeine, and try to keep him conscious and awake until the doctor arrives.
- It is advisable that the subject does not sleep, since the loss of consciousness due to hypothermia or frostbite is usually gradual and persistent until ending in the so-called "sweet death". However, never give the victim for dead even if it seems so because his body is cold and his pulsation is not appreciated, he must continue to take care of him until a doctor examines him
In any case, it is always advisable to contact a doctor or emergency center by phone to receive instructions and, if the subject has severe symptoms, request an urgent evacuation to the nearest hospital.
(To expand knowledge, see links at the end)
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WARNING TO THE READERS OF THIS ARTICLE:
The information and medical opinions contained in this article are for informational purposes only and, in no case, should or can they replace the advice of a doctor; Anyone who feels affected by symptoms or suspicions of having a disease or needing a vaccine, has not to settle for this information, and should go to the consultation of a doctor, or corresponding health specialist, to advise, diagnose their condition. and prescribes the medication or treatment that it deems appropriate.
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Ver estos enlaces / See these links:
Hipotermia y Congelamiento: síntomas y medidas de asistencia y tratamiento
Hypothermia and Frostbite: symptoms and measures of assistance and treatment
Frio intenso: riesgo de hipotermia y congelacion
Intense cold: risk of hypothermia and frostbite
Aludes/avalanchas de nieve medidas de prevención y rescate
Snow avalanches prevention and rescue measures
SOCORRISMO Y PRIMEROS AUXILIOS / FIRST AID MESURES
Tiendas de alta montaña, especialmente aisladas contra el frío y la lluvia, para montar en domicilios y vehículos, cuando no hay calefacción (Las hay pequeñas, individuales y sin clavijas)
High mountain tents, specially insulated against cold and rain, to be set up in homes and vehicles, when there is no heating (There are small, individual and without pegs)
Sacos de dormir alta montaña preparados para bajas temperaturas
High mountain sleeping bags prepared for low temperatures
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