HYPOTHERMIA - RECOGNITION
The initial signs of hypothermia may be vague. The victim may: lag behind; complain of being cold; display difficulty using hands to perform simple manipulative tasks such as zipping up a storm proof jacket; exhibit mental confusion, poor judgement or uncharacteristic behaviour; and/or refuse to recognise his or her predicament. As body temperature falls, mental and physical performance drops.

   One or more of the following signs should alert others to the onset of hypothermia:

• Stumbling;

• Careless about protecting against the cold;

• Shivering;

• Unusual or irrational behaviour;

• Poor judgement;

• Displays apathy, ie lacks interest;

• Exhaustion;

• Slurred speech;

• The person will feel cold to touch and is usually pale.
 

Alcohol & Drugs are fuel for disaster in the snow, they impair your judgement and your ability. Your reaction times are significantly reduced and increase the risk of injury. The whole alpine experience begins when you leave home and doesn’t finish until you return. Avoid alcohol consumption and the use of illegal substances, because they increase your risk of hypothermia.

Alcohol & Drugs impair judgement, slow response time and reduce your ability to respond to an emergency.