HYPOTHERMIA - TREATMENT Cont . . .

Treating an unconscious person
with hypothermia
• An unconscious person must be handled with extreme care;

• Minimise unnecessary movement;

• Do not give any food or drink to an unconscious person;

• Signs of life may be minimal but continue treatment until help arrives;

• Provide the normal care of airway, breathing and circulation;

• With the person in the lateral or coma position, prevent further heat loss by insulating, and protecting from the
cold environment;

   • If adequate insulation and a warm shelter are available, gently remove the outer wet layers (it may be necessary to cut clothing to aid removal), dry off, replace with layers of dry clothing and insulate;

• If shelter is not ideal, leave wet clothing on, add extra layers of clothing over the existing wet ones and cover with any available waterproof material. Wrap victim in a sleeping bag or blanket to prevent further heat loss.
If a plastic bin liner bag is available, use it as previously described;

• If medical care is not available, the rescuer should ensure extra body warmth is provided by placing a companion on either side and close to the person. Ensure all are insulated from the ground, preferably in sleeping bags. Use caution in applying external chemical heat sources or hot water bottles, never apply these directly to the skin.
 

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.