Montana Winter Vacations: Hypothermia

Staying warm is very important in the cold Montana winters. Any visitor to this region should learn the symptoms of hypothermia and what to do to prevent it.

Hypothermia

Hypothermia is caused by exposure to cold and is aggravated by wet, wind and exhaustion. It is the number one killer of recreationalists.

The first step is exposure and exhaustion. The moment you begin to lose heat faster than your body produces it, you are undergoing exposure.

The second step is hypothermia. After your energy reserves are exhausted, cold reaches the brain, making simple tasks and thought process seem impossible.

Precautions:

• Stay dry; wool is a great fabric for this. Newer synthetic materials also offer the advantage of being lightweight and fast drying.
• Beware of the wind - wind chill factors can make the cold even more so.
• Use your extra clothing - place additional clothing on before you get wet.
• End exposure - don't wait until you have an emergency. Give up and get out of the cold. If out on the trail, build a fire. Get warm and dry.

Symptoms:

• Uncontrolled fits of shivering
• Vague, slow slurred speech
• Memory lapses
• Immobile, fumbling hands
• Frequent stumbling
• Drowsiness

More Information:

• Winter Safety
• Avalanches

- content from Bozeman Chamber of Commerce