Hypothermia is dangerous and can be fatal. What is hypothermia? According to research, it is a condition in which the body has extremely excessive exposure to cold, plummeting the body’s temperature to below normal. Commonly occurring among hunters and skiers because they are outdoors so much, it also attacks those who fall into icy cold water. Hypothermia can be detected by symptoms such as shivering, numbness, loss of vision, drowsiness, dizziness, and confusion. Beware of hypothermia! 

How can hypothermia be treated? The victim should be removed from cold and medical help should be immediately summoned. Any wet clothing should be taken off and the person covered with dry clothing and blankets. Absolutely do not give the patient anything to eat or drink unless they are fully conscious. The hypothermia victim, who experiences painful sensations due to being warmed, should be warmed slowly so that the pain is not as unbearable. If the sufferer stops breathing, give artificial respiration. If the subject’s heart stops beating, perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Many lives can be saved if deadly hypothermia is properly treated. 

However, hypothermia can be prevented. If outside, proper gear should be taken along according to the weather. In the winter, warm clothing, coats, boots, gloves, hats, and scarves should be worn. Wisely take sleeping bags, blankets, hand warmers, and maybe even flares when traveling on the road. When climbing a mountain, carry the proper gear, such as a pack filled with extra clothing, blankets, sleeping bags, a tent, hot drinks, and matches. It is smart to avoid being caught in hypothermia’s clutches!