Smart Tips for Dealing with Hypothermia, Avoid Fatal Mistakes that Could Be More Dangerous

Kapanlagi.com - Hypothermia, a life-threatening medical emergency, occurs when a person's body temperature drops drastically below 35 degrees Celsius. Anyone can find themselves in this situation, especially the elderly, infants, and individuals with certain health issues. This often happens in extreme cold environments, such as when climbing mountains or being exposed to severe weather. Therefore, prompt and appropriate handling is crucial to save lives.

The symptoms of hypothermia vary, depending on how severe the condition is. In the early stages, you may notice signs such as severe shivering, confusion, and slurred speech. However, if the body temperature continues to drop, the victim may lose consciousness, experience a weak pulse, and have slowed breathing. Thus, recognizing the early signs of hypothermia is very important so that you can provide effective first aid and prevent the condition from worsening.

If you find someone who is suspected of experiencing hypothermia, it is important to take action immediately. Speed in taking action can be the key to increasing recovery chances. Although the recovery of body temperature requires heat stimulus, it is important to remember that direct contact with a heat source is not recommended. Here are the suggested handling steps to address hypothermia, as summarized by KapanLagi.com, Sunday (2/3).

1. Recognize Hypothermia Symptoms Early

Hypothermia, a dangerous condition that can develop slowly, requires us to be vigilant and recognize its symptoms early. At a mild stage, body temperature dropping in the range of 32 to 35 degrees Celsius can be marked by continuous shivering, pale and cold skin, rapid breathing, and difficulty speaking.

If it enters a moderate stage, between 28 to 32 degrees Celsius, shivering may stop even though the body still feels cold, accompanied by a slowing heart rate and breathing, as well as decreased consciousness. At a severe stage, below 28 degrees Celsius, a person may not respond or may even be unconscious, with very weak breathing and heart rate, increasing the risk of cardiac arrest.

Therefore, if you or someone around you shows signs of hypothermia, take appropriate handling steps immediately before the situation becomes more critical.

2. Move to a Warmer Place Immediately

Here’s what to do:

• If you are outdoors, find a place that is more sheltered from the wind and rain, such as a tent or cave.
• If you are indoors, turn off the air conditioning and close all windows to maintain a warm temperature.
• Remove wet clothing and replace it with dry and layered clothing to help retain body heat.
• Use a thick blanket or sleeping bag to keep body temperature stable.

It is important to lay the victim on a warm surface, such as a mat or thick blanket, to prevent losing body heat to the cold ground.

3. Provide Warmth Gradually, Avoid Direct Heat

Why is this dangerous?

• Heat that is applied too quickly can cause temperature shock, which causes blood flow from vital organs to move to the skin, risking heart failure.
• Hands and feet should not be heated directly, as this can cause a drastic drop in blood pressure.

The correct way to warm the victim:

• Use a warm dry compress (not hot) on the neck, armpits, and groin to gradually increase temperature.
• Provide warm, caffeine-free, and alcohol-free drinks, such as tea or broth, to help the body warm from the inside.
• If possible, do skin-to-skin contact, for example, by hugging the victim with a shared blanket to share body heat.

4. Do Not Let the Victim Move Excessively

When someone is trapped in a state of hypothermia, it is important to know that excessive movement can trigger arrhythmias, which pose a risk of sudden cardiac arrest. Therefore, do not let the victim move on their own, as this can result in dizziness or even loss of consciousness.

Additionally, avoid massaging or rubbing their body, as these actions can actually worsen cold-related injuries. If the victim is unconscious or experiencing difficulty breathing, immediately contact emergency medical services and be prepared to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if necessary.

5. Seek Medical Help Immediately If Condition Worsens

If a person's body temperature continues to drop despite receiving first aid, do not hesitate to contact emergency services or take them to the nearest medical facility. At the hospital, doctors will employ various advanced medical warming methods, such as providing warm oxygen through a mask to warm the respiratory system, infusing warm fluids to raise the body temperature from within, and using a blood warming machine that circulates the victim's blood, warms it, and returns it to the body.

It is important to remember that untreated hypothermia can lead to permanent organ damage, amputations due to frostbite, and even death. Therefore, swift and appropriate action is crucial!

6. FAQ: Questions About How to Handle Hypothermia

1. Can hypothermia heal on its own without assistance?

No, hypothermia must be treated immediately because the body loses its ability to warm itself.

2. Why shouldn't hypothermia patients be given heat directly?

Heat that is applied too quickly can cause temperature shock and heart disturbances, so it must be given gradually.

3. What should be done if someone experiences hypothermia in the mountains?

Move them to a warmer place, remove wet clothing, provide a thick blanket, and gradually warm the body with a dry warm compress.

4. Does hypothermia only occur in snowy places?

No, hypothermia can also occur in tropical areas if someone is exposed to cold temperatures for a long time, such as in the mountains or after drowning.

5. What is the biggest risk if hypothermia is not treated quickly?

If left untreated, hypothermia can lead to cardiac arrest, respiratory failure, nerve damage, and even death.

(kpl/mni)