US Marine Corps - MWTC Summer Survival Course Handbook

Page 133

c)

As hypothermia worsens, victims will lose consciousness and eventually slip into a coma.

Shivering. Remember that shivering is a major way the body tries to warm itself early on, as it first begins to get cold. Shivering stops for 2 reasons:

The body has warmed back up to a normal temperature range.

The body has continued to cool. Below 95F shivering begins to decrease and by 90F it ceases completely.

Obviously, continued cooling is bad. So if a Marine with whom you are working, who was shivering, stops shivering, you must determine if that is because he has warmed up or continued to cool.

A victim with severe hypothermia may actually appear to be quite dead, without breathing or a pulse. However, people who have been found this way have been successfully "brought back to life" with no permanent damage. So remember, you are not dead until you are warm and dead.

Prevention of Hypothermia 

Obviously, prevention is always better (and much easier) than treatment.

Cold weather clothing must be properly warm and cared for.

Keep your clothing as dry as possible.

If your feet are cold, wear a hat. Up to 80% of the body's heat can escape from the head.

Avoid dehydration. Drink 6 - 8 quarts per day.

Eat adequately.

Avoid fatigue and exhaustion.

Increase levels of activity as the temperature drops. Do not remain stationary when the temperature is very low. If the tactical situation

14-6 WSVX.02.15


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