Hypothermia, The #1 Killer of Sportsmen

Hypothermia is the condition when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it. Exposure to temperatures below body temperature, aggravated by wet, wind, physical conditions and exhaustion, lead to the cooling of the body’s inner core temperature. As each organ drops in temperature it struggles to performs its function Victims with health issues are particularly at risk. Once the process passes the mild stage, progressively they lose the ability to think clearly and command the physical capacity to help themselves. When the cooling process reaches the brain, severe hypothermia sets in and the victim usually dies. Most cases of hypothermia occur at 30-50 degrees.

• Conditions that lead to hypothermia - cold temperatures, improper clothing or equipment, wetness,fatigue, exhaustion, dehydration, poor food intake, lack of hypothermia knowledge.
• Recognizing Hypothermia Conditions - wind, cold or wet exposure, the "Umbles" - stumbles, mumbles, fumbles & grumbles.
• Mild Hypothermia - 98.6 - 96 degrees F - unable to control shivering, cannot complete complex motor tasks, can walk and talk.
• Moderate Hypothermia - 96 - 93 degrees F - dazed and confused, cannot perform fine motor tasks, slurred speech, violent shivering, irrational behavior, "I don’t care" attitude.
• Severe Hypothermia - 92 - 86 degrees F - shivering in waves and pauses, victim assumes the fetal position, muscle rigidity, skin is pale, dilated pupils.

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