An essential a part of manhood has at all times been about having the competence to be efficient on the earth — having the breadth of abilities, the savoir-faire, to deal with any scenario you end up in. With that in thoughts, every Sunday we’ll be republishing one of many illustrated guides from our archives, so you’ll be able to hone your manly know-how week by week.
It’s simple to think about hypothermia as the kind of illness that may solely have an effect on individuals who get trapped in disastrous situations, like being misplaced in a frozen Alaskan wilderness or falling into an icy river. However it’s one thing that may occur to you even underneath far much less excessive situations.
Think about a easy day hike, beginning at low elevation in sunny climate. As you ascend the mountain, you’re employed up a very good sweat in your cotton t-shirt and don’t take breaks to hydrate or eat. On the prime, the climate turns, rain or wind settles in, and also you twist your ankle. Your cotton shirt is now performing like a fridge, and the wind solely serves to drag your physique temperature down faster. At first, signs are seemingly minor. Shivering and an absence of coordination set in, however with time and extra publicity, the signs change. Extreme confusion, a shocking lack of shivering, and inexplicable emotions of being too heat start to take over. Chances are you’ll even take garments off since you really feel too scorching, which solely hurries up the method. A day hike has rapidly changed into a really harmful situation.
Whereas the chance of creating hypothermia will increase considerably because the temperature drops beneath 32°F, you don’t have to be in freezing temps to get it; hypothermia can set in at any temperature beneath 50°F if you’re uncovered to chilly situations for an prolonged interval, particularly if you’re moist, improperly dressed, or unable to maneuver to generate warmth.
You possibly can forestall hypothermia by carrying artificial or wool garments, checking the climate forecast, preserving dry, and staying nourished and hydrated. But when you end up on the brink, understanding what to do at that second may imply the distinction between life and dying.
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