Hypothermia First Aid Guide -  Snorkeling safety tips to treating hypothermia

Whenever you are snorkeling, it seems that time stops. It is very easy to forget that you have maybe been snorkeling for an hour or so. However it gets pretty serious if you were to venture off with minimal exposure gear not realizing that prolonged exposure even in moderate sea temperatures can often cause the onset of mild hypothermia.

Being aware of a few simple hypothermia first aid techniques can be a life saver so we have shared some of these techniques with you, should you or your buddies be unfortunate enough to ever suffer by this condition.

First let us see what hypothermia is all about. Basically this condition develops when the body temperature falls below 35º C. The effects vary depending on the speed of onset and the level to which the body temperatures falls. Moderate hypothermia can usually be completely reversed. However severe hypothermia, when the core body temperature falls below 30º C, is often, although not always fatal. However, no matter how low the body temperature is, it is always worth persisting with life saving procedures until a doctor arrives to assess the casualty.

 

Hypothermia symptoms and how to initially treat it

Below we have listed some of the hypothermia symptoms to look out for: 

• Uncontrolled shivering
• A Slower pace of breathing
• A decreased heart rate
• Skin turns blue
• Pupils dilated
• Feeling very week
• Shows signs of poor judgment
• Seems confused and drowsy
• May shown signs of hallucination
• A loss of coordination

 

Here are some simple hypothermia first aid procedures that can be used to treat yourself or your buddy suffering from this condition:

• If possible go inside an enclosed place to protect you from the elements. The wind chill factor can substantially increase the risk of developing hypothermia.

• Wear some dry clothing and cover yourself with a blanket or towel if possible. You may use body heat if you do not happen to have blankets or any protective material.

• Because most of your body heat is lost from your head , it is important to have the necessary exposure gear like a hoodie.

• Start re-warming yourself by taking warm drinks or high energy food

• Do not consume alcohol as it will make matters worse

• Warm yourself or the casualty slowly and evenly. Do not use localized heat such as hot water bottles.

• Do not perform rush movements as this may cause serious circulatory failure

• Seek medical help.