What is hypothermia? What causes hypothermia?
Hypothermia,also known as low body temperature syndrome, refers to a condition where the core body temperature (heart, lungs, brain) falls below the normal range. When the core body temperature drops below 35°C, it becomes life-threatening but is still within the treatable range.
The direct cause of hypothermia is not the cold environment — understanding this is crucial: first, it means that simply increasing insulation does not necessarily effectively prevent hypothermia, and sometimes it can even be counterproductive; second, even in environments that do not seem very cold, the onset of hypothermia should be guarded against.
The direct causes of hypothermia are both internal and external:
On one hand, there is excessive heat loss from the body’s surface, and on the other hand, the body’s ability to generate heat is insufficient. Hypothermia occurs when heat production is less than heat loss. In other words, even in a cold environment, as long as heat production exceeds heat loss, hypothermia will not occur (though localized frostbite is possible); even in an environment that is not very cold (e.g., 0°C to 10°C), as long as heat production is less than heat loss, hypothermia can still occur. (In Beijing, there was a case of hypothermia caused by persistent strong winds and heavy rain at around 2,000 meters altitude on Xiaowutai Mountain in summer.)
In winter outdoor activities, the main factors causing body heat loss include: 1. Wind chill effect 2. Excessive evaporation of sweat 3. Reduced insulation due to wet clothing (from falling into water, snowmelt seeping through, or sweat), while cold moisture absorbs large amounts of body heat, and the evaporation process further draws away significant heat. If the wet clothing is next to the skin, this “heat loss” effect is even faster and more pronounced. Preventive solutions targeting the above causes of hypothermia: Windproofing, moisture permeability, breathability, sweat wicking, staying dry, maintaining an appropriate pace of movement, and proper insulation (avoiding excessive sweating). Main factors reducing the body’s ability to generate heat: 1. Poor physical fitness and lower adaptability to cold environments; 2. Excessive fatigue (including weakness caused by altitude sickness), leading to high energy consumption; 3. Insufficient intake of nutrition and energy. Preventive solutions for reduced body heat generation: Adequate intake of high-calorie foods, drinking small amounts of hot sweet drinks hourly, and maintaining an appropriate pace of movement. Emergency treatment after the onset of hypothermia Key points: a windproof and warm micro-environment (tent, sleeping bag, clothing), rapid drying, warming the body, replenishing hot drinks, and heating the environment. Quickly put on a self-heating down jacket, then a thick down jacket, sit or lie in a wind-sheltered and sun-facing spot, or get into a heat-reflective tent. Once slightly recovered, light the tent heater. Trekking poles — here’s what you must know Reply【10】to view “Standard Window | Does Moisture Permeability = Vapor Permeability = Breathability?” Reply【11】Check out “Technology | Clothing Details – Big Knowledge in Small Buttons”