75 What are the most common outdoor, cold-weather-related emergencies?

Outdoor conditions can quickly become hazardous for the unprepared during the colder months. Temperatures and winds can change quickly in autumn and spring. The temperatures in high altitudes can drop drastically even during summer months. The two most common serious medical problems caused by cold temperatures are hypothermia and frostbite. Both can develop into life-threatening and debilitating conditions quickly if not recognized and treated promptly.

Hypothermia (exposure)

Hypothermia is a serious and life-threatening condition. Being inadequately dressed for the cold, or allowing your clothing to get wet from rain, mist, or sweating, can lead to hypothermia, even in temperatures as high as sixty degrees. Physical exhaustion caused by running or survival-related work can increase the danger of hypothermia. This is why energy conservation and staying dry are the first priority in outdoor survival. Many people have died of exposure when caught unprepared for a weather change. You may go out for a few hours on a warm autumn day and be caught in a rainstorm that drops the temperatures to the forties in minutes. As a rule of thumb, always dress for what the weather could be, not for what it is. Always carry survival items that include a rain poncho, dry socks, and a warm cap. Since the survivalist may need to evacuate or operate during cold and/or wet weather, the recognition and treatment of hypothermia can be a critical skill.

The first warning of impending hypothermia is intense and uncontrollable shivering, a sign of the body’s last-ditch attempt to get warm. Once shivering stops, the victim becomes sleepy and listless with slurred speech and a stumbling gait. If swift intervention is not initiated, then unconsciousness and death will follow. It must be understood that a person who has ceased shivering and begun to show advanced signs of hypothermia may continue to decline and die, even after being brought into a warm environment, because their internal heat production has shut down. Prevention and early treatment are essential. Treatment of hypothermia includes the removal of cold, wet clothing and the administration of warm sweetened liquids while the victim is still conscious. Warm clothes or heat packs can be placed on the sides of the neck, armpits, and groin.

Avoid rubbing or rapid warming of extremities, which may cause cold blood to rush to the heart, thus inducing fibrillation. Gentle external warming and warm liquids are key. An unconscious or semiconscious victim can be placed into a sleeping bag unclothed with other persons. Hypothermia is a medical emergency! Get the victim to a hospital as fast as possible.

Frostbite

Frostbite can be a disabling and possibly fatal condition. Once your hands or feet become frozen, you will be unable to perform most other survival-related tasks, and so your survival chances are dramatically reduced. Thick gloves and socks should be worn in cold weather, but these may become lost or wet in a survival situation. Keeping two extra pairs of warm socks under your shirt or in your survival kit is highly recommended. Socks can be used as a foot covering, or as mittens when needed. Frostbite usually affects the fingers, toes, nose, and ears first. If nothing is done, the circulation to these extremities is reduced and frostbite ensues. The skin becomes pale, white, and numb to the touch. Continuing exposure results in stiff, leathery, and hard skin as blood circulation is completely stopped. Never rub frostbitten tissue, as this will cause further damage. Thaw the extremity in warm water not exceeding 105 degrees Fahrenheit. The tissues will become red, painful, and swollen. Wrap the thawed extremities in soft bandages. If tissues do not recover sensation, remain numb, and turn black, then the tissue is dead and infection will follow. Prompt medical attention and antibiotics are essential for these cases.