Friday, January 30, 2004

OPP WARN NOT TO “EXPOSE” YOURSELF

(North Bay, On) The season for ice fishing and winter sports is upon us and you need to protect yourself from the hazards of hypothermia and exposure. Canada Safety Council and the OPP recommend:
· Wear a warm hat and wear layered clothing. Protect your feet and hands. Wear loose waterproof boots. Mittens warm the hands more effectively than gloves. Carry an extra pair of these.
· Prevent dehydration and exhaustion, which can lead to hypothermia. Drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids. Pace yourself when doing vigorous activity.
· Try to stay in a heated environment, but not so hot as to cause excessive sweating. You risk hypothermia when you seek to cool down by leaving a hot environment for a cool one.
· Eat high energy food, such as nuts and raisins.
· Avoid alcohol, coffee, tea and tobacco. They can cause heat loss.
· If you are traveling (on the road or in the wilderness) carry emergency supplies.
Sudden heart attacks increase during a cold snap. Another danger is hypothermia, sometimes called exposure. Shivering is a serious warning sign to seek a warmer, sheltered place.
If you suspect hypothermia, Call 911 or OPP @ 1 888 310 1122 or send someone to get help. Take measures to prevent further heat loss and get medical help as quickly as possible. Continue the warming efforts even if there is little or no pulse or heartbeat. Severe hypothermia can be mistaken for death.
Move the casualty to a dry, warm location if possible, or provide protection from the wind. Keep the person in a horizontal position. If you can't replace wet clothes with dry ones, cover the wet clothes with warm dry clothing or blankets, and place something warm and dry under the casualty. If the person is conscious, supply a warm drink, but avoid alcohol and caffeine.