What is Hypothermia?

Following on from my previous 2 posts

about outdoor swimming in the colder months, and in

answer to more questions, here is another

installment...

What is Hypothermia? This is where your body

temperature drops below 35C. Considering normal

body temperature is around 37C and remembering that

when we get out of cold water our body's core

temperature can continue to drop by 4.5 degrees,

hypothermia is very much a reality! Left untreated,

hypothermia can lead to cardiac arrest and even death

in under an hour!

Signs of hypothermia include, but are not limited to,

shivering and chattering teeth, exhaustion, slow

movements and reactions, weak pulse, fast heart rate,

rapid breathing leading to a slow down in breathing

and heart rate, slurred speech, a decline in cognitive

function, hallucinations, abnormal heart rhythm,

decreased shivering and even a loss in consciousness.

Hypothermia needs to be treated quickly. If you think

you or someone else has it, call 999 and try to

gradually warm them up while you wait for help to

arrive.

How do we warm up?

1. Move the person indoors or somewhere sheltered,

and preferably dry, as quickly as possible

2. Remove any wet clothing, wrap them in a blanket,

sleeping bag or dry towel, layers, making sure their

head is covered

3. Give them a warm drink and some sugary food like

chocolate or cake if they're fully awake

4. Keep them awake by talking to them until help

arrives

5. Make sure you or someone else stays with them

DO NOT rub their arms, legs, feet or hands or use a

hot bath/shower or heat lamp to warm them up or give

them alcohol as the can make the condition worse...

When dipping in cold water, and as with everything

really, knowledge is power. The mental and physical

health benefits of cold water are tremendous as is the

enjoyment and sense of community that can be had.

Although the dangers are real, don’t let them stop you!!

If you would like to try cold water therapy but are

wondering where to start, or if you have any questions

at all, please get in touch. I am a qualified and fully

insured cold water therapy practitioner and sharing the

cold water love is a big part of what I do!

Safe dipping! 🌊🐉💚