Hypothermia Annapolis Yacht Club February 24

Overview What is Hypothermia ? How does it happen? Why does it happen? What do I do to prevent it? Proper attire for cold weather Tips for handling a situation Water Temp Survival Rate Windchill chart How to survive in the water SymptomsTreatment

What is Hypothermia? Hypothermia - "a decrease in core body temperature to a level at which normal muscular and cerebral functions are impaired. In other words, when your body is too cold to deal.

Stay Dry Stay ALIVE How does it happen? Radiation- loss of heat due to the environment. Conduction- through direct contact between objects, think WATER & SKIN. Water conducts heat away from the body 25x faster than air. Keep your body covered up, hats, gloves and core and chances go down

Why does it happen? Wearing Improper clothing Cotton, non wicking under layers It is hard to re-warm cold sweat. No dry suit or wetsuit NO HAT Getting wet Capsize, falling in, spray, sweat. Fatigue, dehydration, hunger Not eating, getting enough sleep or drinking enough fluids can lead to Hypothermia

What do I do to help prevent it? Luckily common sense helps here! Wear the Right Gear Under layer (closest to the skin) is able to wick moisture from skin. Keep hands and feet DRY (extremities are the first to go) Wear a HAT Drink water, not Soda or Coffee Yes even if you are not thirsty, it is far easier to get Hypothermia if you are dehydrated! (caffeine is a dehydrator) Eat small meals Small healthy snacks in between sets keeps the energy level up. Food = FuelFuel = Heat Do I need to wear/buy a dry suit? NO a good wetsuit works fine with a wind blocking outer layer.

Properly Dressed Sailor! Base layer Wicking layer- NO COTTON, the goal here is to get sweat away from my skin. Thermal layer Keep me warm- OPERTIVE word here is warm. You dont want to be hot as you are sailing or you will SWEAT! Outer Layer Waterproof-windproof- keep the elements out. Gloves, boots and hats Gloves-Dishwashing gloves work well. Boots- good boots or sneakers with waterproof socks or bags. Hat- fleece tight fitting hat that covers the ears. No Bankrobbers.

HELP this is costing me a Fortune! Wetsuit vs Dry Suit The modern drysuit was invented 20 years ago. Previously, sailors wore wet suits - goal is to warm up the water between the body and the suit. Gore-Tex socks vs. Warm socks & plastic bags The goal is to keep feet warm & dry. We have had some success with good sneakers and wool/fleece socks and plastic bags. Wicking layer Sorry cant cheat here. Poly, underarmour, fleece, capilene, wool works!

Ive Fallen (in) & I Cant Get Up! Capsize! Tips to make it easier/safer and to keep sailing…. DONT PANIC R U OK? Minimize time in water Get the boat upright fast, or CALL for help & get out of the water. Change clothes between sets, if you have wet under layer change it! Keep your head ABOVE water, sounds basic, but really important.

Additional tips Make sure both skipper and crew are on the same page Ready to gybe? Help each other be safe Again, DO NOT PANIC. In any situation, it is important to remain calm. If capsized, first check on partner, then immediately try to flip the boat back up. Scoop Method

Water Temp Survival Rate Avg Water Temp: November53 December47 January41 February41 Water TempSurvival time Hours Hours Hrs hours

MASSA Rule: if combined water and air temp below 100. Must wear Dry or Wetsuit! Air TemperatureWater TemperatureCombined Temperature

How to survive in the water?

Signs & Symptoms Hypothermia is progressive - the body passes through several stages before an individual lapses into an unconscious state. The extent of a persons hypothermia can be determined from the following: 1. Mild Hypothermia - the person feels cold, has violent shivering and slurred speech. 2. Medium Hypothermia - the person has a certain loss of muscle control, drowsiness, incoherence, stupor and exhaustion. 3. Severe Hypothermia - the person collapses and is unconscious and shows signs of respiratory distress and/or cardiac arrest probably leading to death.

Treatment Gradually Raise Body Temp Wrap person in warm blankets/clothes and immediately remove to a warm shelter, Sleeping bag/blanket, group hug (yes it works)! Remove Wet Clothes Sounds simple, but you would be surprised. Always have a change of clothes in your bag. Dont Rub, Massage, etc. This brings cold blood from the surface to the core. Key is to warm the core. No Alcohol Warm water, drinks. No coffee, tea or stimulants.

Review Hypothermia, a decrease in core body temp, can be caused by wearing improper gear, getting wet, not protecting extremities, and malnutrition. Proper gear: Base layer – thermal layer – outer layer Tips: Dont panic, get out of water ASAP, get boat upright, change clothes, get warm, call for help Signs: cold, shivering, slurred speech, loss of muscle control, incoherence, exhaustion, respiratory distress, unconsciousness Treatments: Gradually raise core body temp, get dry, get inside warm building, stay calm