408 Where There Is No Doctor 2011
EMERGENCIES CAUSED BY COLD
Loss of Body Heat (Hypothermia)
In cold climates, or cold, wet or
windy weather, persons who are
not wearing enough warm clothes
can lose the heat from their bodies.
This is very dangerous. Often
the person does not realize what is
happening to him. He can become
so confused that he will not ask for
help and may die.
Signs:
• Uncontrolled shivering
• Slow or unclear speech
• Stumbles when he walks
• Cannot think clearly
• Feels very tired
Treatment:
♦ Quickly get the person to a dry place protected from the wind.
♦ If his clothes are wet, take them off and cover him with dry clothing. Wrap him in
dry blankets.
♦ Make sure his head, feet, and hands are covered.
♦ Heat some stones in a fire and wrap them in cloth. Put the warm stones next to
his chest, back, and groin.
WARNING: Do not warm up the person too fast
as this could cause heart problems and death.
♦ Do all you can to keep the person
warm. If it is a child, wrap him
inside your clothing against your
skin (see ‘Kangarooing’, p. 405).
Or sleep with him in your arms. If
possible, have someone else lie
on the other side. Or put pans of
hot coals, or a few small oil lamps
under the cot. (But be careful he
does not get burned, or too warm.)
pans with hot coals
♦ Give him sweet things to eat and drink like sugar, candy, honey, sweet ripe fruit or
fruit juice. If you do not have these things, give him starchy foods like rice, bread,
plantain, or potatoes.
If the person stops shivering but still has any of the above signs, or if he is
unconscious, his condition is very serious. Keep trying to warm him, but if he does not
wake up, get medical help FAST.