An essential a part of manhood has at all times been about having the competence to be efficient on the planet — having the breadth of abilities, the savoir-faire, to deal with any state of affairs you end up in. With that in thoughts, every Sunday we’ll be republishing one of many illustrated guides from our archives, so you possibly can 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. But it surely’s one thing that may occur to you even below 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 great sweat in your cotton t-shirt and don’t take breaks to hydrate or eat. On the high, 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 stunning lack of shivering, and inexplicable emotions of being too heat start to take over. It’s possible you’ll even take garments off since you really feel too sizzling, which solely hurries up the method. A day hike has rapidly become a really harmful state of affairs.
Whereas the danger of growing hypothermia will increase considerably because the temperature drops under 32°F, you don’t have to be in freezing temps to get it; hypothermia can set in at any temperature under 50°F in case you are uncovered to chilly situations for an prolonged interval, particularly in case you are moist, improperly dressed, or unable to maneuver to generate warmth.
You may forestall hypothermia by sporting artificial or wool garments, checking the climate forecast, retaining dry, and staying nourished and hydrated. But when you end up on the brink, realizing what to do at that second might imply the distinction between life and dying.
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