Hypothermia: Know Your Body

1. Hypothermia is:

A genetic condition some people are born with

A type of sea current

A condition that arises when the body loses heat faster than it can produce

Hypothermia is a condition that arises when the body loses heat faster than it can produce. This means that the body's temperature drops below normal levels, leading to symptoms such as shivering, confusion, and loss of consciousness. It can occur in cold environments or as a result of prolonged exposure to cold water. Prompt medical attention is necessary to prevent further complications and damage to vital organs.

Explanation

Hypothermia is a condition that arises when the body loses heat faster than it can produce. This means that the body's temperature drops below normal levels, leading to symptoms such as shivering, confusion, and loss of consciousness. It can occur in cold environments or as a result of prolonged exposure to cold water. Prompt medical attention is necessary to prevent further complications and damage to vital organs.

2. Children are always vulnerable to hypothermia.

True

False

Children lose heat faster than adults.

Explanation

Children lose heat faster than adults.

3. I begin to shiver because:

My body has reduced warm blood flow to my extremities

My body is involuntarily trying to generate more heat

I'm not moving around enough in the water

Your body prioritizes warm blood flow to its vital organs, as a result the hands and feet feel cold and you begin shivering as an involuntary action to make more heat in these areas.

Explanation

Your body prioritizes warm blood flow to its vital organs, as a result the hands and feet feel cold and you begin shivering as an involuntary action to make more heat in these areas.

4. Anytime my body is in an environment that is colder than 37 degrees celsius, heat is lost.

True

False

Your body's core temperature is roughly about 37.6 celsius. Anytime this drops, you have begun to lose heat.

Explanation

Your body's core temperature is roughly about 37.6 celsius. Anytime this drops, you have begun to lose heat.

5. Hypothermia only takes place in cold climates and in cold water.

True

False

Hypothermia can take place in any climate. Swimmers in the Caribbean have been known to suffer from Hypothermia.

Explanation

Hypothermia can take place in any climate. Swimmers in the Caribbean have been known to suffer from Hypothermia.

6. Mild hypothermia takes place when my body's core temperature is still above 35 degrees celsius.

True

False

Severe hypothermia takes place below 35c.

Explanation

Severe hypothermia takes place below 35c.

7. If i am unable to reboard the capsized vessel and i must await rescue in the water, i should protect against hypothermia by:

Threading water and splashing around vigorously

Remove my shoes

Take a nip of alcohol to warm up my insides

Adopt the H.E.L.P or Huddle position

The correct answer is to adopt the H.E.L.P or Huddle position. This position helps to conserve body heat by reducing the amount of heat lost to the water. It involves bringing the knees to the chest, wrapping the arms around the legs, and huddling close to others if possible. This position helps to minimize heat loss and maintain body temperature, thus protecting against hypothermia. Threading water and splashing around vigorously would only increase heat loss. Removing shoes may not have a significant impact on preventing hypothermia. Consuming alcohol is not recommended as it can impair judgment and increase the risk of hypothermia.

Explanation

The correct answer is to adopt the H.E.L.P or Huddle position. This position helps to conserve body heat by reducing the amount of heat lost to the water. It involves bringing the knees to the chest, wrapping the arms around the legs, and huddling close to others if possible. This position helps to minimize heat loss and maintain body temperature, thus protecting against hypothermia. Threading water and splashing around vigorously would only increase heat loss. Removing shoes may not have a significant impact on preventing hypothermia. Consuming alcohol is not recommended as it can impair judgment and increase the risk of hypothermia.

8. A water-proof pouch should have:

An extra sweater

Flares or dye markers, whistle, mirror and radio device

Flippers

A water-proof pouch should have flares or dye markers, a whistle, a mirror, and a radio device. These items are essential for signaling for help in case of an emergency while in water. Flares or dye markers can attract attention from a distance, a whistle can be used to alert nearby individuals, a mirror can reflect sunlight and signal for help, and a radio device can be used to communicate with rescue teams or other boats. These items increase the chances of being located and rescued in a water-related emergency.

Explanation

A water-proof pouch should have flares or dye markers, a whistle, a mirror, and a radio device. These items are essential for signaling for help in case of an emergency while in water. Flares or dye markers can attract attention from a distance, a whistle can be used to alert nearby individuals, a mirror can reflect sunlight and signal for help, and a radio device can be used to communicate with rescue teams or other boats. These items increase the chances of being located and rescued in a water-related emergency.

9. I should not pull myself out of the water and unto the capsized vessel because i will feel very cold in the open air.

True

False

Heat loss is 25 times faster if you remain in the water, even if you might not feel it. Make every attempt to get out of the water as your body will eventually become unresponsive.

Explanation

Heat loss is 25 times faster if you remain in the water, even if you might not feel it. Make every attempt to get out of the water as your body will eventually become unresponsive.

10. I should remove shoes and other pieces of clothing that might restrict my movement in the water.

True

False

You need as much insulation on your body when you are in the water. Clothing provides a measure of insulation by allowing heat to be trapped between the layers. Never remove this.

Explanation

You need as much insulation on your body when you are in the water. Clothing provides a measure of insulation by allowing heat to be trapped between the layers. Never remove this.