Every year I treat experienced outdoorsmen and women, skiers, snowmobilers and hunters in the ER for hypothermia. Most of them are not strangers to the hazards of Wisconsin winters, yet they consistently make one critical mistake - overestimating their body’s ability to fend off exposure to cold and wind.
To avoid hypothermia you have to protect yourself from wind, fatigue, dehydration and getting wet - be it falling in a stream or excessive sweating. One of the best preventative measures is simply dressing smart - with breathable, wicking layers. Wet or damp clothing increases heat loss - so it’s important to pace yourself to avoid excessive sweating. Also be sure to unzip or remove outer shells as you heat up, but be certain to put them back on as soon as you rest.
The layers closest to your skin should be made of wool, silk or polypropylene as these materials retain body heat better than cotton. Subsequent layers should be loose fitting, allowing your body to adjust its temperature as needed, with wind- and water-proof outer layers that are snug at the wrist and ankle. Boots should be water-resistant as well. And don’t forget a hat, scarf, mask and mittens (gloves do not keep your hands as warm because each finger is isolated in material).
Be sure to pack an emergency kit that you can bring with you, and keep yourself hydrated and energized with nutritious snacks and water.
If you do start to shiver - don’t ignore it because your body is sending you a message - “I’m COLD!” Other symptoms include confusion, apathy, poor coordination, slurred speech and irrational behavior.
If someone you’re with does have hypothermia and is conscious, seek shelter, remove wet clothes and provide a dry set, drink warm liquids and encourage the person to do moderate exercise that warms them up. If a sleeping bag is available, have them get inside of it to warm up. If the person is unconscious, immediately seek medical help and be very gentle with the person because a hypothermic person’s heart is very fragile.
Cold weather emergency kits.
Living in Wisconsin, there’s no excuse for not having a cold weather emergency kit in one’s car, backpack or snowmobile. The likelihood you’ll need it? Impossible to predict. But there’s no substitute for being prepared.
When skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, hunting or snowmobiling your kit should consist of the following:
- Extra socks, hat and mittens
- First-aid kit
- Waterproof matches
- Compass
- High-energy bars or snacks
- Water - products like the CamelbackTM are key
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- Plastic trash bags - they can serve as waterproof clothing in an emergency
When driving, your kit should contain:
- Water - two or three bottle of water
- High energy food or bars
- Blanket
- Mittens, hat, scarf, snowpants, winter coat, waterproof snowboots
- Folding shovel
- Fix-a-Flat
- Waterproof matches
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- First aid kit
- Jumper cables
- Kitty litter or road salt
- Rope
- Multi-tool, like a LeathermanTM
Be safe. Stay warm.
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