What to do in case of hypothermia? Tips from rescuers

When a person is exposed to prolonged dry frost or cold water, general hypothermia of the body occurs. This primarily threatens children, even if they are dressed very warmly but are motionless or playing in wet clothes.

External signs of hypothermia

• shivering;
• pale skin;
• numbness of limbs;
• sluggishness;
• loss of coordination of movements;
• body temperature 35 degrees Celsius and below;
• loss of consciousness.

In severe frost, one should go outside healthy, not hungry, not sleepy, and full of energy. Remember that previous cold injury, weakening of the body due to past illnesses, sweaty feet, chronic cardiovascular diseases — are frequent companions of frostbite.

Do not go out into the frost with wet hair after a shower, as it is very easy to get sick in such a case. A few words should be said about drinks. Tea is the right decision both before going out and while outdoors.

Alcohol only creates a treacherous illusion of warmth. Smoking should also be forgotten, as it reduces peripheral blood circulation, making the extremities more vulnerable. Clothing should be warm, functional, and loose; its appearance and "trendiness" are secondary. Leggings, ripped jeans, and "wet sneakers" are best saved for summer parties. For mittens and hats, we hope you remember from your parents' instructions.

For cheeks and chin, you can use a regular warm scarf or protect them with a special cream.

A solid foundation for cooling is tight shoes, the absence of insoles, and damp socks. Insoles, by the way, should be warm, and socks should be woolen.

If a child gets cold during a walk, immediately take them home or to any warm place! If their clothes are wet, change them; gradually warm the child with dry warmth. It is also worth placing warm hot water bottles in the groin and armpit areas. Give the child warm sweet tea, some bread, or cookies; if the child is unwell, lay them on their stomach or side, cover them with something warm, and call an ambulance.

Frostbite is very serious, dangerous, and painful. It should be remembered that frostbite can occur not only in severe frost but also in less extreme cold with high air humidity.

Signs of frostbite

• limbs become pale and lose sensitivity, ears become very red;
• at home, rub the limbs with dry hands until they warm up;
• blisters appear on the skin, as with burns — you should urgently consult a doctor;
• tissue necrosis. The skin is bluish-black, ulcers appear, sensitivity is lost. Immediately call an ambulance!

It is very important to teach children to dress according to the weather, move so as not to freeze, not to shiver (the more you shiver, the more you freeze), and also to breathe through the nose, rub palms together, make energetic arm swings, dance (you need to stretch your arms along your body, spread your fingers, and make sharp and frequent up-and-down movements with your shoulders). Don't forget to warm your hands under your armpits, wiggle your toes, squat, run in place, rub your nose, cheeks, and ears with dry palms.

Also explain to the child that it is very dangerous to go out on a frozen body of water and even more so to play on the ice. Under no circumstances should one test the strength of the ice by striking it with a foot.

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