HARRISBURG – Pennsylvania’s unseasonably warm weather will soon give way to cold, windy and wet weather, so Keith Snyder, Pennsylvania Game Commission Hunter-Trapper Education Division chief, is reminding hunters, trappers and other outdoors enthusiasts to plan well to avoid hypothermia.
“Anyone heading afield for the remainder of this year’s rifle deer season or other late hunting and trapping seasons should be aware of the threat of hypothermia and how to combat it,” Snyder said. “Hypothermia occurs when exposure to the wind, cold and wetness drain heat from the body faster than it can be produced.
“Extreme cold is not required for hypothermia to develop, and most cases occur when the air temperature is between 30 and 50 degrees. The best way to combat hypothermia is to dress properly and avoid getting wet.”
A non-absorbent, wicking layer of underwear of polypropylene or similar synthetic, covered by layers of wool, and a waterproof shell would be good in most wet-weather situations. The waterproof rain gear can be carried in a small pack, but should be put on before the other clothes become wet because once a person gets wet, he or she risks hypothermia. A warm hat and gloves also help to prevent heat loss.
“Wet clothing should be exchanged for dry clothing as soon as possible, especially if it is windy,” Snyder said. “Getting out of the wind and rain promptly can mean the difference between a safe outing and a life-threatening ordeal.”
One of the most important defenses against hypothermia is recognition and treatment of the early symptoms. Uncontrolled shivering is the first signal of the onset of hypothermia. It also is one of the few symptoms the victim may recognize.
As hypothermia sets in, slurred speech, frequent stumbling, loss of manual dexterity, memory lapses, exhaustion and drowsiness occur.
Often a victim will not notice these signs, so hunting partners should watch each other when wind, water or cold create the potential for hypothermia.
“It is wise to get out of the wind and cold, remove wet clothing, and warm the body before hypothermia sets in,” Snyder said. “Once the telltale symptoms are recognized, these steps are absolutely critical: Stop, take shelter, remove wet clothes and warm the body.”
If only mild impairment is evident, warm drinks and dry clothes will probably solve the problem. High-energy foods can help provide fuel for metabolic heat production. Powdered sweetened gelatin mixed with warm water makes a high-energy emergency drink. A warming fire or other heat source can help speed the recovery. Wrapping a blanket or crawling into a sleeping bag, if available, also will speed recovery.
In advanced cases of hypothermia, drowsiness may lead to unconsciousness and, ultimately, death, unless action is taken to provide warmth. In these cases, emergency medical assistance is needed as soon as possible.
Small open fires warming purposes or cooking are permitted on State Game Lands only at places where adequate precautions are taken to prevent the spread of fire. Such fires must be attended at all times and completely extinguished before leaving the site of the fire. Open fires are prohibited when the fire index rating used by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, is high, very high or extreme. A person causing a wildfire, in addition to possible criminal penalty, is liable for all damages, cost of extinguishing and fines.
The early warning signs of hypothermia result as the body shuts down circulation to the limbs and nonessential organs in an attempt to maintain the core temperature. As more energy is drained, survival becomes dependent upon stopping the outflow of heat and supplying warmth from external sources.
“Awareness of the signs followed by prompt attention to the problem can save lives,” Snyder said. “Keep hypothermia in mind whenever you are outdoors and the weather turns wet or cold.”