During the winter months it is important to look after yourselves from the dangers of cold weather. Infants, the elderly and frail are the most vulnerable. However, anyone can suffer from hypothermia and it can be serious. Hypothermia occurs when a person’s body temperature drops from the normal 37C to below 35C. Hypothermia can be caused by being inside a cold room, being inactive for long periods of time or if you don’t wear appropriate clothing for the cold weather conditions.
Signs and Symptoms
- Shivering
- Skin becomes pale and it will be cold to touch
- As hypothermia develops further, they casualty will become confused, low energy levels, drowsy, slurred speech and suffering from memory loss and may eventually lose consciousness
Treatment for Hypothermia
- It is best to move the casualty somewhere warm, but don’t warm them up too quickly.
- Remove any wet clothing and replace the casualty with dry clothes or blankets to keep them warm.
- Give them warm drinks (no alcohol) and reassure them.
- If the casualty loses consciousness and stops breathing call 999/122 for an ambulance and begin CPR immediately.
So stay safe this winter and ensure you wrap up warm, and remember to check on elderly relatives and neighbours to ensure they are keeping warm too.
Interested in learning first aid?
Why not attend one of our First Aid Courses in High Wycombe that we run regularly.
We can also come in-house to your office or place of work at a date and time that suits your requirements to run a workplace first aid course.
Get in touch for more details.
