First let me outline an elementary explanation of what hypothermia is. It’s essentially the lowering of your body core temperature. It occurs when the body is losing more heat than it can generate. In general it’s associated with cold environments. But, add wet conditions to this equation and you’ve heightened its prospects considerably. Though three categories of hypothermia exist, the following two are more likely to affect recreational anglers: Acute (sudden immersion in water) and Sub-Acute (inadequate insulation and subjection to environmental hardships).

A constant awareness of environmental conditions is paramount to your safety. Keep in mind it doesn’t take getting caught in a downpour to be subject to this health hazard. I’ve witnessed too many times, where individuals recreating in locations inundated by a heavy mist, or cold morning fogbank, experienced the discomfort of losing some control of their body core temperature. Here’s a startling piece of data; most hypothermia cases on record have occurred in air temperatures between 30 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Wading our winter streams and lakes will surely exacerbate the potential of triggering hypothermic conditions. Sudden immersion in any angling venue is a sure fire ticket to at least the initial levels of this disorder -- or worse.

In addition to adverse environmental impacts a few other factors are known to put some individuals at risk; smoking, age (elders especially), poor circulation, consuming alcoholic beverages, inadequate diet, and lack of sleep are common contributors. As you can see, a wide variety of elements are to be considered before confronting cold-wet conditions.

Dressing in layers has proven itself to be a prudent approach to wilderness travel. All angling adventures are in effect a wilderness-oriented experience. Familiarize yourself with the concepts of a “wicking layer”, “insulating layer”, and “protective layer.” Adopt the theory. Become adept at using clothing options. Adapt your wardrobe constantly to perform in varying field situations. Keep in mind that wet clothing has a severe reduction in insulation value. You’ll need to address excessive moisture buildup from the inside as well as external impacts. Select clothing that offers you the ability to ventilate when necessary. Dry-cold conditions are far less threatening than wet-cold scenarios. When you assemble your wardrobe, an area often overlooked is the potential heat loss through your head. With such a complex vasculature this region accounts for a significant amount of heat production. Another area that deserves a second look is your legs. They’re approximately 36 percent of the total surface area of your body. As you can imagine, heat loss again could be considerable from this area.

Stoking your personal fire via food consumption is another smart technique for addressing potential heat loss. It’s a good idea to carry foods that are high in caloric and carbohydrate values. Sweets are generally a productive choice under these circumstances. Be sure to keep yourself well hydrated.

Everyone should have a basic first aid kit anytime they enter the outdoors. However, here’s a few items to add to your “kit” for the coming season; a sleeping bag, insulation pad, heat packs, extra towels, and a complete set of dry emergency clothing (including undergarments, socks, etc).     

The most significant first aid tools you possess are your ability to observe and react appropriately. Use the following signs and symptoms as key indicators to identify the compromised condition of any victim while in the field (this definitely includes monitoring yourself if possible). No doubt, the first three levels outlined are your best chances to regain any control of the situation.

Level 1: Sustained shivering (it could appear as uncontrolled bouts), lack of dexterity, general fatigue, slow moving.

Level 2: Shivering becomes more violent, slurred speech, stumbling occurs, acts of poor judgment, numbness.

Level 3: Shivering actually decreases (but is replaced with rigid muscles and erratic movement), memory lapses, irrational behavior is exhibited, disorientated, complete lack of energy.

Level 4: Blue skin, heart and respiratory difficulties, slow (or erratic) pulse, sleepy, state of rigid muscles continues.

Level 5: No response visible from victim (reflexes or otherwise), unconsciousness.

Level 6: All systems fail.

Your safest approach to handling hypothermia in the field is to treat every level with extreme respect. Recognize when changes occur to yourself and others around you. Acknowledge those changes immediately. Take action immediately. Don’t let your ego (or anyone else’s) stop you from implementing the appropriate steps to regaining your health. In the majority of cases hypothermia is completely treatable, but only when actively dealt with.

Certainly establishing a pro-active mindset will enhance your safety and pleasure. However, if you find yourself or others in need of assistance here’s a sound protocol to engage: isolate the victim from any continued exposure to the elements, get them into dry clothes, insulate the individual from a cold-damp ground and use the sleeping bag as a re-warming environment. Once the warming trend is well under way, provide small doses of food and liquids to improve the rehabilitation process. If the victim is experiencing a more advanced state of hypothermia they won’t have the ability to warm themselves. In this case it will require another person, a “heat donor”, to be inside the bag as well. Skin-to-skin contact maximizes heat transfer. This isn’t the time to be bashful or macho. Get the job done! Don’t allow the victim to doze off. Get additional help as fast as possible if necessary.

I don’t feel this column can fairly address the emergency needs of extremely advanced cases. Take the time to seek more appropriate resources such as Red Cross classes, mountaineering medical clinics, or seminars provided by your local hospital facilities. Empower yourself with knowledge.  

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