How does hypothermia become fatal?
In recent years, hypothermia has frequently led to mountain disasters, especially in high-altitude mountainous areas. Not to mention extreme challenges like professional mountaineering above 7,000 meters, even on the Aoyue traverse line, which is below 4,000 meters in altitude, over 80% of deaths are due to hypothermia, often because common outdoor hypothermia symptoms are not taken seriously enough.
Prolonged exposure to the outdoor environment,
as long as the temperature is low enough and the mechanisms of energy loss are strong enough,
anyone can easily become a victim of hypothermia.
Hypothermia must be addressed through prevention, early detection, and swift, appropriate treatment.
Causes of hypothermia:
The higher the altitude, the greater the climate variation. When lacking proper insulation or being exposed to harsh, cold environments for extended periods—especially when exhausted or wearing wet clothes—the body undergoes physiological responses that cause a drop in body temperature. When the body temperature falls below 35 degrees Celsius, a person is considered to be in a state of hypothermia.
Symptoms of hypothermia include:
Feeling cold, pale skin, cold extremities, violent and uncontrollable shivering, slurred speech, uncontrollable muscle movements, slowed reactions, changes in personality or loss of rationality, slowed pulse, loss of consciousness, etc.
First aid measures for hypothermia
Once the human body enters a state of hypothermia, death may occur within hours. In severe cases, the heartbeat may become extremely slow, and breathing may be faint. Even if breathing and heartbeat have stopped, the patient should not be presumed dead, and immediate first aid should be administered. The most important principle of hypothermia first aid is to prevent further heat loss and gradually help the patient regain normal body temperature. Move the patient away from the harsh, cold environment and into a warm tent or mountain hut. Remove wet, cold clothing and wrap the patient in dry, warm clothing, sleeping bags, etc. If the patient is conscious, they may be given warm, sweet drinks; if unconscious, they should be placed in the recovery position. Hot water bottles or body heat transfer from the rescuer can help prevent further temperature drop. If the patient’s breathing or heartbeat stops, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) should be initiated, and medical help sought as soon as possible. Remember not to give the patient alcohol, do not rub or massage their limbs, and do not encourage them to exercise.
Preparation for High-Altitude Outdoor Activities
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When undertaking long-distance outdoor activities at high altitudes, preventing hypothermia often hinges more on early preparation. To ensure outdoor safety, here are some key points to keep in mind:
1
Know the Route
Before setting out, be sure to confirm your route. Search for nearby tracks on outdoor apps—the denser the track lines, the more people have likely used that route, indicating it's generally passable. Additionally, check marked points on the track (text, images, voice notes) for information including hazardous terrain, camping spots, supply points, scenic viewpoints, etc.
2
Gear Preparation
Before heading out, prepare more supplies than you plan to consume. Essentials include: tent, sleeping bag, hat, warm clothing, emergency blanket, waterproof bags, rain gear, water, food, stove, knife, backup power, first aid medicine, etc. Key essentials: hat, waterproof bags, emergency blanket. The human body loses 50% of its heat through the head, so wear your hat at all times, even while sleeping. Waterproof bags keep clothing dry—if your body gets wet and you have no dry clothes to change into, you'll lose a lot of heat. Wrapping yourself in an emergency blanket helps retain body heat during hypothermia. For outdoor gear, remember one crucial rule: never let your backpack out of your sight.
3
Backup Rescue Plan
Always have an exit strategy. Carry a walkie-talkie, SOS positioning rescue device, inform family of your itinerary, and have contact info for the start and end points of your route as well as nearby rescue stations. Report your trip itinerary to local authorities. Every one of these details acts as an additional layer of life protection.
4
Weather Check
Check and confirm the weather for each day of your trip, especially at high altitudes—avoid encountering blizzards or harsh environments. This is the most basic and critical point to determine.
5
Learn about hypothermia first aid
Before the trip, all team members should read up on hypothermia first aid to understand the emergency measures needed for patients with varying degrees of hypothermia. For others, and for yourself.
6
Outdoor insurance
Team members should purchase individual travel insurance—it’s peace of mind and protection for your family. Team leaders must separately purchase team leader liability insurance. No need to elaborate further.
Special reminder:
In case of emergencies or severe weather
you must
descend!Descend!Descend!
Say it three times because it’s that important!
Descending is the highest form of respect for life!
Though there may be misfortune,
the journey to explore the world will not stop.
Finally, although it’s a well-worn piece of advice, we’ll say it again: when taking on challenging outdoor activities, always assess your limits, travel in a group, follow experienced leaders, never take unnecessary risks, never show off, and never push through emergencies. Prepare and prevent early—explore the beautiful world outdoors, and return home safely and happily.
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