HYPOTHERMIA - TREATMENT Cont . . .
Treating a conscious person
with hypothermia
• Carefully lay the casualty down;

• Protect from the cold environment and prevent any further heat loss by placing insulating material under the person - use packs, jackets, mats, bags - whatever you can find;

• If a large plastic bin liner or garbage bag is available place the victim feet first into the bag, ensuring that the body and neck are enclosed, arms and hands should not be covered by the bag (the patient may have to be placed in the coma position);

• Do not cover the head or face with the bag;
   • Cover with a blanket or sleeping bag and ensure the head and neck are covered with a beanie, jumper or fibre pile jacket, leaving the mouth, nose and eyes visible.

Important precautions
• Do not give alcohol, cigarettes, strong
coffee, or tea;

• Do not attempt to stimulate the peripheral circulation by rubbing or massaging
the extremities;

• Do not expose the patient to hot air or
direct radiant heat from a fire. The
application of external heat could worsen
the person’s condition.

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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.