Anytime you're away from the security of your home, you should have the appropriate gear with you to cover any emergency situation that you are likely to encounter. This includes the proper knowledge and skills to go with the gear.
For cold weather, layering your clothing and wearing a hat are your best bet for a successful and safe outing. Having the basic gear for fire and the ability to make tea or another hot drink is very important. Carrying adequate water, a few high sugar hard candies and some salt for adding to the warm water which helps to replace important nutrients lost due to dehydration. Listening to your body early on and reacting appropriately will save your life.
In the situation of hypothermia, depending on how far gone you are, you probably won't know you're in trouble, let alone be able to light a fire.
At the onset of hypothermia, you will realize you are cold. Shivering may occur but will be controlled when you become active. As hypothermia continues, your feet will feel stiff, your muscles will become tense and you will feel fatigued and weak. Then, your skin will take on a waxy pallor and numbness will occur.
When the hypothermia is at a mild level, uncontrolled shivering will grip your entire body. Joints will become stiff and uncomfortable when you move. At this point, you will still be alert but will lose coordination. Most victims of hypothermia deny they have a problem and become difficult to deal with. Denial is the main reason that so many cases of hypothermia are fatal.
As moderate hypothermia takes over your body temperature ranges between 93 and 95 degrees, shivering will become less intense. Normal activity becomes uncomfortable because your blood vessels are severely restricted. At this stage, you have poor coordination and trouble keeping your balance. Your speech may become slurred and you will appear to be in a state of intoxication. You will no longer be able to make responsible decisions and will experience feelings of apathy and confusion. Your breathing will become shallow and you will experience an overwhelming urge to sleep.
As body core temperature decreases, severe hypothermia sets in. You will be extremely weak, your skin will turn blue and eye pupils will become dilated. At this stage you will still deny that a problem exists and may become violent. Unconsciousness will gradually take over. Breathing will become so shallow that you will appear to be dead.
When hypothermia reaches this level, your only hope is to be taken to a medical facility where you can be warmed properly.
Diabetics often experience poor circulation. This makes them more prone to hypothermia because it is difficult for them to recognize numbness in their feet, arms and legs. Diabetics must be especially careful when outside in frigid temperatures.
Alcohol can also be a contributing factor in the onset of hypothermia. Alcohol numbs the senses and thins the blood. This makes it difficult for anyone under the influence to recognize the warning signs of hypothermia.
Hypothermia causes dehydration, which depletes the body of important nutrients. In most cases, this causes erratic heartbeat.
If you feel that you or someone you know may be experiencing the onset of hypothermia, call 911. Medical treatment is required immediately to prevent brain injury, heart attack or death.
Never attempt to bring a hypothermia victims body back to normal temperature by placing him in hot water, giving him alcohol or wrapping him in an electric or hot blanket. If his body temperature rises too fast, it could induce cardiac arrest.
If someone is suspected of suffering from hypothermia, move him inside out of the elements. Remove wet or cold clothing and replace with clothes that are warm and dry. The victim should avoid all physical activity and lie in a prone position until medical help arrives.
If medical help isn't available, gradual warming of the victims body can be helped along with warm liquids taken internally and placing the victim between two warm bodies or cuddle up with the victim if only one individual is available and place a blanket over everyone. This is best done without outer clothing for best results.