early@tonto.DEC (the higher we climb, the better the view) (02/27/86)
>> this line dedicated to the "mythical" line eater << >Subj: USENET net.misc newsgroup articles >Posted: 23 Feb 86 17:05:07 GMT >I think that if you spend a while in a >60-degree swimming pool you will find >convincing evidence that hypothermia can >occur in water warmer than 50 degrees. >I don't know for certain if it actually >can, but 60 degrees is *COLD*! You are correct ! Anyone can get hypothermia from being in a "medium" that will eventually cause their body "temperature regulating mechanism" to malfunction, and permit the "inner core" temperature to drop below the "usually fatal 88 degrees Fahrenheit". There are exceptions to this, and several headlines come to mind about people surviving for hours in ice water (drowning and medical experiments/procedures). *Generally* speaking, severe hypO/Athermia(s) are fatal. If you are planning to spend a lot of time *outside* (boating, fishing, hiking, hunting) spend a little time at the library and LEARN about hypothermia, and Hypathermia. Have your friends do the same. The life they save may be yours ! In the northeast, and in the Pacific Mountains, the *usual* fatal combination is a mild rain, 45 degrees Fahrenheit, and unprotected heads while "walking" either alone or in groups. The next category which comes to mind is in the "North Sea, and the North Atlantic", but these are well documented. I managed to get a mild case while riding a motorcycle in 25-20 degrees F'. Mechanics of HypO/Athermia follows: Hypothermia - body gets cold Hypathermia - body gets hot The mechanics are the same, just two directions. When you expose your body to a temperature extreme for periods of time, the "gland" that does the regulating 'simply put' loses its ability to regulate the inner core temperature, because the heat loss from your body is greater than the body mechanics can accommodate, either due to lack of physical exertion(cold), or two much exertion (heat). For hypothermia, shivering is the first stage of Hypothermia. Your body is telling you it wants to be warmer. So put on more clothing, or increase your physical exertion, or both. The second stage is a temperament change, then forgetfulness. The third major stage is mental apathy and 'spacing out' (losing control of your ability to think consciously(sp.). The fourth major stage is sleepiness, uncontrollable shivering, lowered body temperature. The fifth stage is never never land, and maybe no return if a trained medical staff is not available. Hypathermia is usually called 'Heatstroke', and I'm not quite as familiar with it. The Best 'CURE" for hypothermia is prevention. The 'victim' is usually unaware that they are a victim, until they 'come back'. If a person retains consciousness give them warm NON ALCOHOLIC beverages laced with sugar or other quick energy sources (sucrose, lactose, etc.) Put the person into a sleeping bag or other warmth retention media. While referring to Alcohol , NO FORM of alcohol should be used for 'getting warm from the inside', or for 'warming up very' cold persons, because it will actually HASTEN the hypothermia process, if it doesn't kill them right away ! This is due to the body mechanics of trying to keep the inner core warm, so it shuts down (decreases) blood flow to the extremities, which is why the ears, nose, tips of fingers, toes get frostbite first. The cure for severe hypothermia has been in contention now for several years, but generally if the rectal temperature stays above 88 degrees F', the chance of survival is good IF THE VICTIM CAN BE BROUGHT TO A TRAINED MEDICAL staff facility. If the rectal temperature drops below 88 degrees, the odds are more questionable. In the out-of-doors, great caution must be used when treating Hypothermic cases, to be sure that the RESCUERS also do not become victims themselves. There are three recorded cases where hypothermia training was being given to medical people, and one of the trainees GOT Hypothermic, and there are two recorded cases (at least) where a film was being made about hypothermia, and the film crew members succumbed to hypothermia ! bob early (Dec E-Net) TONTO::EARLY) (UUCP) decvax!decwrl!dec-rhea!tonto!early