Re: Hypothermia
Amick Robert (amick@SPOT.COLORADO.EDU)
Mon, 1 Apr 1996 10:48:43 -0700
A clarification: Rhett's comments on the post would of course apply to
serious rather than mild cases of hypothermia which were described in the
previous post. A warm shower or tub is appropriate in mild cases. In
mild hypothermia the body core temperature usually remains fairly close
to 98 F.
Conversely, and as Rhett points out, in serious cases, rewarming should
only be done in a hospital setting under supervision of medical
personnel. Serious cases of hypothermia are those in which the body core
temperature may drop as low as 92 F or less. This can easily occur in
immersion hypothermia (such as falling in a cold lake) or in severe wind
chill.
The concern in serious hypothermia is not so much shock as it is
ventricular arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat) caused by cold blood coming
from cold extremities during the rewarming process. This is why it is
essential that rewarming be done in a hospital in case the heart does
become irregular. The transfer of body heat from a rescuer to victim of
hypothermia in a field setting is of course very appropriate, and may
sustain life until the victim can be hospitalized.
The use of gatorade or other "sports" drink is preferable to conventional
"drink mixes" because sports drinks have a "balanced electrolyte"
composition involving sodium, postassium, citrates, and glucose.
Conventional drink mixes are mostly sugar and food coloring. Oral
rehydration with gatorade has been found to be very effective and often
eliminates the need to use I.V. (intravenous solutions). The composition
of gatorade is actually fairly similar to a "ringer's lactate" solution
which would be used for rehydration as an I.V. in a medical setting.
Bob Amick, EMT-B, Exploring Training Chair, Longs Peak Council, Boulder, CO
Terry Howerton Sakima Group, Inc. SCOUTER Magazine Kansas City | 
