Alina Fassbinder Written at 6 September 2023

The right way to deal with hypothermia

Hypothermia is a severe hypothermia of the body and therefore a sometimes acutely life-threatening situation for those affected. However, if patients are helped early enough, the chances of survival are good. For this to be possible, adequate first aid is required for further hypothermia treatment. We will tell you which skills are essential and what should not be missing from a comprehensive kit.

Was ist eine Hypothermie?

Hypothermie beschreibt eine starke Unterkühlung des Körpers, die lebensbedrohlich sein kann, wenn sie nicht rechtzeitig behandelt wird. Wird jedoch schnell Erste Hilfe geleistet, stehen die Überlebenschancen gut. Die Prävention spielt hier eine besonders wichtige Rolle – eine Hypothermie zu verhindern, ist immer einfacher, als sie zu behandeln.

Sanitäter im roten Schutzanzug versorgt bewusstlosen Patienten mit orangefarbener Decke und Beatmungsbeutel auf Trage im Rettungswagen.

What forms of hypothermia are there?

If hypothermia is present, it must be categorised into one of the two possible forms. The categorisation is based on the speed of the drop in tissue temperature. A distinction is made between acute accidental hypothermia and subacute accidental hypothermia.

Acute accidental hypothermia occurs when there is a very rapid drop in temperature (e.g. when falling into frozen water). Subacute accidental hypothermia, on the other hand, is when the temperature drops slowly over a longer period of time, such as a few hours (e.g. burial of snow masses in the course of an avalanche accident).

5 tips to prevent hypothermia

It is better to act than to react. This also applies to possible hypothermia. Because in the best case scenario, hypothermia does not occur in the first place.

1. The right clothing:

Up to 20 % of body heat is lost through the head and upper body. The right outerwear, including a hat, can ensure that the body does not lose heat so quickly. The right choice of clothing is the be-all and end-all. But even the best outerwear is useless if it is wet. Wet clothing should always be avoided.

2. External heat sources

Warm and above all dry accommodation or shelter is particularly important to regulate body temperature during rest periods.

3. Exercise and breaks

Exercise can help to raise your body temperature if you spend long periods outdoors. However, it is also important that the body has enough rest periods to recharge its batteries.

4. Adequate fluid intake

The body should be supplied with sufficient fluids, especially in cold temperatures. Dehydration can accelerate the onset of impending hypothermia.

5. Be vigilant

Recognise the signs of hypothermia at an early stage so that you can react accordingly. The most common signs are feeling cold, shivering, confusion and weakness.

The phases of hypothermia

What causes hypothermia?

Hypothermia occurs when a person's body releases more heat than it can produce over a longer period of time. Typical causes include accidents during winter sports activities (loss of orientation during snowstorms in cold temperatures, avalanches, falling into frozen water, etc.), risk of drowning, spending too long outdoors or in cold water and unconsciousness at low temperatures.

Various factors such as cold wind, a high level of humidity and unsuitable clothing also have a favourable effect. Old frostbite, a low body fat percentage and poor health also pose a risk. Taking medication such as antidepressants, antipsychotics or tranquillisers can also disrupt the body's ability to regulate its own temperature.

Heat preservation for injured/wounded persons

Maintaining warmth in injured and wounded people is often neglected. This can have serious consequences for those affected. In emergency situations, helpers are rarely able to put themselves in the injured person's shoes, as they often sweat themselves in such stressful situations and therefore have no direct sense of temperature.

The result is often fatal. 66% of trauma patients arrive at the emergency department with a core body temperature of less than 36°C. 80% of deceased casualties had a core body temperature of less than 34°C at the time of death.

Studies have shown that the mortality rate of wounded and injured patients with hypothermia is twice as high as that of wounded and injured patients without hypothermia. This is partly due to the fact that blood coagulation is reduced by 10 to 20 % when the body temperature falls by 1 °C.

It should also be noted that trauma patients show fewer or no signs of hypothermia and do not shiver when hypothermic.

Products for the treatment of hypothermia

Mil-Tec® foldable sleeping pad

The foldable Mil-Tec® sleeping pad is very versatile. In addition to use as a sleeping pad, it can also be used to protect a casualty/patient from hypothermia/subcooling by placing the Mil-Tec® sleeping pad between the ground and the casualty/patient

€32.25*

incl. VAT plus shipping costs

Available, delivery time: 1-3 days

Pcs

Blizzard - Green, Blanket

Basic colour: Green | Variant: Ceiling

Optimum care for shock and hypothermiaBlizzard Reflexcell™ technologyBlizzard Reflexcell™ products are made of a multi-layer composite material consisting of two aluminium foils and a plastic foil. The special feature lies in the structure of these materials. The foils are z-folded and staggered on top of each other, creating a cell-like fabric structure that optimally stores heat. The two inner layers are finely perforated to allow the air heated by the body to circulate evenly in the cavities. The outer aluminium layer is impermeable and also reflects the heat. The result is outstanding thermal insulation and effective protection against external influences and cold. Blizzard Reflexcell™ products are radiolucent and can therefore be left on the patient during both X-ray and computed tomography examinations.

€50.28*

incl. VAT plus shipping costs

Available in 35 days, delivery time 1-3 days

Pcs

APLS Thermal Guard

APLS Thermal Guard with head protection is an innovative product specially developed for emergency services and first responders to protect patients from hypothermia during transport. It is a combination of a thermally insulating blanket and head protection, which together form an effective barrier against cold and wind. The APLS Thermal Guard is made from a high-quality, water-repellent material that has been specially developed for use in low temperatures and extreme weather conditions. The head protection is designed to cover the entire head and protect against the cold without restricting the patient's breathing. The product is easy to use and quick to put on. Rescuers can simply place the APLS Thermal Guard over the patient's body and attach the head protection to ensure complete coverage. The blanket is also designed to be easily removed to allow for quick and effective medical care. The APLS Thermal Guard is an essential addition to any rescue or emergency kit as it can be used in situations where rapid warming of the patient is required. Whether in road traffic accidents, hiking or other emergency situations, the APLS Thermal Guard can save lives and speed up the healing process by maintaining the patient's body temperature. In summary, the APLS Thermal Guard with Head Protection is an innovative and essential product for emergency responders and first responders to protect patients from hypothermia and facilitate transport in extreme weather conditions. With its ease of use and effective protection, the APLS Thermal Guard is a must-have for any first responder who wants to save lives quickly and effectively.

€606.90*

incl. VAT plus shipping costs

No longer available

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WERO rescue blanket

The WERO rescue blanket is an indispensable aid in any emergency situation, whether for accidents, outdoor adventures or in emergency medicine. It consists of a film coated on both sides with a gold and a silver side, which protects against both extreme cold and excessive heat. This lightweight and flexible blanket is a standard item in any first aid kit or first aid kit and provides reliable protection from the elements at critical moments. What is a rescue blanket and how does it work? A rescue blanket, also known as an emergency blanket, is an indispensable first aid tool that protects the body from external influences such as cold or heat in extreme situations. The rescue blanket is made of a thin, metal-coated plastic material and provides effective thermal insulation. It works by reflecting body heat and thus minimising heat loss to the environment. This is particularly important to prevent hypothermia in the event of an accident or after severe blood loss, when the body is particularly susceptible to a drop in temperature. As well as protecting against the cold, the rescue blanket can also be used to protect the body from overheating by reflecting the sun's rays and thus reducing the effect of heat. Its ease of use and versatility make it an indispensable aid in emergency situations, whether in the medical field, during outdoor activities or in everyday use.The rescue blanket can be used in first aid as well as in various other scenarios such as natural disasters, hiking or camping. Its compact size and light weight make it a practical and indispensable part of any emergency kit.Protection from the cold: golden side facing outwardsThe golden side of the rescue blanket protects the body from the cold. When this side is facing outwards, the body heat is reflected and returned to the body so that a large proportion of the heat is released into the environment. This is particularly important in situations where there is a risk of hypothermia, e.g. after an accident outdoors or in a cold environment. By reflecting your own body heat, the rescue blanket can help to stabilise your body temperature and prevent life-threatening hypothermia.Protection from heat: silver side facing outwardsThe silver side of the rescue blanket is ideal for protecting the body from extreme heat and strong sunlight. When this side is facing outwards, it reflects the sun's rays and thus reduces the direct heat effect on the body. This helps to prevent overheating by reducing the heat input from outside. This use of the rescue blanket is particularly useful in hot climates or in direct sunlight to keep the body cool and prevent heat stress.Advantages of the WERO rescue blanketThe WERO rescue blanket offers comprehensive protection against extreme weather conditions, be it rain, wind, heat or cold. Thanks to its special design, it reflects up to 90% of body heat and is therefore an effective protection against the cold, minimising the risk of hypothermia. At the same time, it protects against overheating by reflecting strong sun rays. Thanks to its lightweight and flexible construction, it is easy to transport and simple to use, whether for emergencies at work, road accidents or outdoor activities such as skiing, mountaineering or sailing. With a size of 160 x 210 cm, the rescue blanket offers sufficient surface area to completely cover the body and provide optimum protection.When is a rescue blanket used?Rescue blankets are used in a variety of situations where the body needs to be protected from extreme weather conditions or temperatures. Common areas of use are:First aid in accidents: In the event of road accidents or other emergencies involving injured people or people in shock, the rescue blanket is used to maintain body heat and prevent hypothermia. It is placed over the injured person to minimise heat loss, which is particularly important in cold environments.Hiking and outdoor activities: Hikers and outdoor enthusiasts often carry a rescue blanket to protect themselves in the event of sudden weather changes or accidents. It can be used in an emergency to protect you from the cold or rain if you are in remote areas and help is not immediately available.Emergency medicine and rescue services: Rescue services and emergency doctors use rescue blankets to protect patients during transport. This is particularly important to prevent the patient's condition from deteriorating further due to external influences such as cold or heat.Natural disasters: During disasters such as earthquakes, floods or storms, rescue blankets are often distributed to protect survivors from the elements, especially if they are homeless or cut off from their shelters.Sporting events: At marathons or other sporting events, runners are often given rescue blankets after crossing the finish line to prevent rapid heat loss after physical exertion, especially in cool weather.

Variants from €5.62*

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€4.99*

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Available, delivery time: 1-3 days

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The correct procedure for hypothermia

The first thing to do is to call the emergency services immediately to ensure adequate medical treatment. If possible, the affected person should then be taken to a warm place so that the body can slowly warm up again.

Cold and wet clothing should be removed immediately and replaced with other clothing or a warm blanket. Avoid applying heat with a hot-water bottle or strong friction. If the affected person is conscious, warm drinks such as tea are helpful. The patient's condition should be monitored continuously so that any changes can be responded to immediately with the appropriate support measures.

In general, it is important not only to pay attention to the physical symptoms, but also to provide comfort until the rescue team is alerted.

What mistakes should not be made when treating hypothermia?

Hot water, heating pads and heating lamps must not be used when reheating the body. These can not only cause burns to the skin, but can also cause cardiac arrest by disrupting the regular heartbeat.

If heat compresses are used, they should only be applied to the chest, loins and neck. If too much heat is applied to the arms or legs, the cold blood will increasingly move towards the heart, brain and lungs, which can lead to the death of the person affected.

Is hypothermia always fatal?

Hypothermia is an extreme situation for the body. However, with the right help and professional hypothermia treatment, those affected can be given the prospect of recovery without any consequential damage.

It is essential to acquire the necessary specialised knowledge and high-quality equipment that is adapted to the situation.

In our shop you will not only find a comprehensive selection of life-saving aids, but also all the information you need on hypothermia, hypothermia treatment and first aid measures. Safety and quality are our top priorities.