Hypothermia on San Francisco Bay is a very real danger.\u00a0\u00a0Sailing in the cold wet conditions of San Francisco Bay can and will result in hypothermia if proper steps are not taken.\u00a0 Recognizing the symptoms and understanding first aid treatment options may be the difference between an enjoyable sail and tragedy.<\/p>\n
Before going too far, understand that I am not a doctor.\u00a0 The stages,\u00a0symptoms, and treatments\u00a0talked about here are commonly\u00a0accepted as accurate, however, seeking professional expertise is always a good idea.\u00a0\u00a0As part of your sailing education, I encourage everyone to seek first aid training from qualified organizations and individuals.<\/p>\n
There are three degrees of hypothermia, mild, moderate, and severe.<\/p>\n
With mild hypothermia, the body’s internal temperature has dropped to 95 degrees or below.\u00a0\u00a0The most visible symptoms include shivering, mental confusion, and mild muscle “miss-coordination.”\u00a0 The person may be having trouble speaking.\u00a0 At this stage, the body is still able to warm itself, so first aid treatment should be focused on helping the body do just that.\u00a0 Shelter from the cold, warm dry clothing, warm liquids, and staying active are great examples.\u00a0 I personally carry four blankets anytime I sail just for that purpose.\u00a0 Alcohol and caffeinated drinks should never be given.<\/p>\n
Moderate hypothermia is indicated when the body’s core temperature has dropped below 90 degrees.\u00a0 Shivering has progressed to violent shivering and there is a distinct lack of muscle coordination, including speech.\u00a0 The surface blood vessels contract.\u00a0 The person becomes pale, with lips, ears, fingers, and toes possibly turning blue.\u00a0 The body may no longer be able to warm itself, and requires external assistance.\u00a0 As with mild hypothermia, a\u00a0warm environment and\u00a0warm dry clothes (or blankets) are the place to start.\u00a0 However, with moderate hypothermia, application of external heat such as a heating blanket and warm water bottles\u00a0placed in the armpits\u00a0and groin will begin the rewarming process.\u00a0 If nothing else is available, body to body contact while wrapped in blankets will help.\u00a0 Now is not the time for gender concerns and modesty.\u00a0 Liquids generally should not be given to\u00a0someone\u00a0suffering moderate hypothermia.\u00a0\u00a0There lack of muscle coordination may have impacted their ability to swallow.<\/p>\n
Severe hypothermia is\u00a0the body’s internal temperature falling below 82 degrees.\u00a0 Vital organs begin to\u00a0shut down.\u00a0 Symptoms include difficulty speaking, sluggish thinking, amnesia, an inability to walk normally, and perform normal hand dexterity functions.\u00a0 The person may lose consciousness.\u00a0 It can be very difficult to find a pulse on a severely hypothermic person.\u00a0 Treatment obviously includes\u00a0all of the first aid steps appropriate to moderate hypothermia, however, you must\u00a0get the person immediate emergency medical treatment!<\/p>\n
Here’s one last thought.\u00a0 The water temperature on San Francisco Bay averages about 50 to 60 degrees depending upon the time of year.\u00a0 In 50 degree water, death can occur in as little as 1 hour.\u00a0 The beginning stages of hypothermia happen after just a few minutes.\u00a0 If anybody should fall overboard while sailing, by the time you get them recovered, you can assume at least mild hypothermia.\u00a0 Begin first aid treatment right away … even if they say it isn’t needed.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Hypothermia on San Francisco Bay is a very real danger.\u00a0\u00a0Sailing in the cold wet conditions of San Francisco Bay can and will result in hypothermia if proper steps are not taken.\u00a0 Recognizing the symptoms and understanding first aid treatment options … Continue reading