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Winter Injuries
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Garden of the Gods
Peak View Trail, Mueller S.P
Elk Meadow, Mueller S.P.
Columbine Trail, N. Cheyenne Canyon
Palmer Lake Reservior
Bear Creek Regional Park
Spruce Mountain
Rampart Range Road
Cheyenne Canyon Rd Loop
~ Useful Links ~
Colorado State Parks
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Environmental Injuries and Illness
Hypothermia
Hypotheermia is a result of an abnormally low body temp. Normal body temperature in humans is 37°C (98.6°F). Hypothermia can be divided in three stages of severity.
In stage 1, body temperature drops by 1-2°C below normal temperature (1.8-3.6°F). Mild to strong shivering occurs. The victim is unable to perform complex tasks with the hands; the hands become numb. Blood vessels in the outer extremities constrict, lessening heat loss to the outside air. Breathing becomes quick and shallow. Goose bumps form, raising body hair on end in an attempt to create an insulating layer of air around the body (limited use in humans due to lack of sufficient hair, but useful in other species). Often, a person will experience a warm sensation, as if they have recovered, but they are in fact heading into Stage 2. Another test to see if the person is entering stage 2 is if they are unable to touch their thumb with their little finger; this is the first stage of muscles not working.
In stage 2, body temperature drops by 2-4°C (3.6-7.2°F). Shivering becomes more violent. Muscle mis-coordination becomes apparent. Movements are slow and labored, accompanied by a stumbling pace and mild confusion, although the victim may appear alert. Surface blood vessels contract further as the body focuses its remaining resources on keeping the vital organs warm. The victim becomes pale. Lips, ears, fingers and toes may become blue.
In stage 3, body temperature drops below approximately 32°C (90°F). Shivering usually stops. Difficulty speaking, sluggish thinking, and amnesia start to appear; inability to use hands and stumbling are also usually present. Cellular metabolic processes shut down. Below 30°C (86°F) the exposed skin becomes blue and puffy, muscle coordination very poor, walking nearly impossible, and the victim exhibits incoherent/irrational behavior including terminal burrowing or even a stupor. Pulse and respiration rates decrease significantly but fast heart rates (ventricular tachycardia, atrial fibrillation) can occur. Major organs fail. Clinical death occurs. Because of decreased cellular activity in stage 3 hypothermia, the body will actually take longer to undergo brain death.
Signs and Syptoms of Hyperthermia
Prevention through avoidance of exposure and early recognition are key. We talked about this is COLDER article. If you clothes are wet, dry them, or freeze them and break away ice. If concious, the victim should consume warm fluids and carbs. Get into warmth as soon as possible.
Frostbite
Frostbite is the medical condition whereby damage is caused to skin and other tissues due to extreme cold. At or below 0° C (32° F), blood vessels close to the skin start to narrow (constrict). This helps to preserve core body temperature. In extreme cold or when the body is exposed to cold for long periods, this protective strategy can reduce blood flow in some areas of the body to dangerously low levels. The combination of cold temperature and poor blood flow can cause severe tissue injury by freezing the tissue. Frostbite is most likely to happen in body parts farthest from the heart, and those with a lot of surface area exposed to cold.
Symptoms
Generally, frostbite is accompanied by discoloration of the skin, along with burning and/or tingling sensations, partial or complete numbness, and possibly intense pain.
Treatment
If medical attention is not immediately available, the affected areas are placed in warm, but not hot, water, until tissues are soft and sensation has returned. The water temperature must be 107.6 degrees F (42 degrees C), and any major fluctuation from this can cause serious harm. At 113 degrees F (45 degrees C) the water will scald the frostbitten tissue, and below 107.6 has also proven to cause harm. Afterward, when the tissues have reached 98.6 degrees F (37 degrees C), the tissues are wrapped in clean, sterile dressings, and moved normally. It is crucial to keep the frostbitten skin from refreezing, as this is very harmful.
Trench Foot (Immersion Injuries)
Immersion foot or archaically trench foot is a medical condition caused by prolonged exposure of the feet to damp, unsanitary and cold conditions above freezing point.
Symptoms
Bottom of feet have the appearance of dishpan hands and painful and swollen. Treatment
Snow Blindness
Snow blindness is a painful condition, typically a keratitis, caused by exposure of unprotected eyes to the ultraviolet (UV) rays in bright sunlight reflected from snow or ice.
Symptoms
Really should say prevention prevention prevention. Do not hike without your sunglasses. If possible, have a 100% UV sunglasses. If you are a ski person, use goggles.
Additional Sources:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/first-aid-hypothermia/FA00017 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frostbite http://www.scoutscan.com/resources/coldinj.html