Hypothermia: what it is and how to prevent it in the forest

Avoiding the famous condition of hypothermia is a vital matter for those who venture into cold or humid climate areas. It is a dangerous health condition that must be avoided at all costs to survive in the forest, dense bush, or any other context of low temperatures.

In this article from the Mundo CIMO expert team, you will be well-prepared with essential information to identify the signs of hypothermia and take the correct measures even in risky situations. Happy reading!

Hypothermia: what is it?

Hypothermia is defined as a drop in body temperature below 35 °C, a temperature below the average human body temperature—usually between 36 °C and 37 °C—which impairs essential bodily functions.

The most common problems caused by this condition are confusion and disorientation, especially in its initial stages. More severe cases, however, can lead to difficulty breathing, a drastic drop in the immune system, and even coma.

What causes hypothermia?

The cause of hypothermia is linked to exposure to intense cold and high humidity with inadequate clothing, with high levels of local humidity being a common aggravating factor for this type of condition.

These characteristics make forest environments conducive and dangerous for cases of hypothermia, which is due to constant humidity and milder temperatures even in normally warm regions. The forest with its shade and wind significantly reduces the perceived temperature.

How to recognize the first symptoms of hypothermia?

The initial symptoms of hypothermia are easily recognized, such as shivering, mental confusion, and difficulty articulating words, occurring from the drop in body temperature.

As soon as these are noticed, it is crucial to seek to warm the body in some way, as these symptoms can progress rapidly in forest environments and further aggravate these manifestations, leading to slurred speech, weak pulse, and, in extreme cases, unconsciousness.

What are the first aid measures for hypothermia cases?

Treating hypothermia properly requires immediate action, with both active and passive warming revolving around preventing the victim's contact with the wind and humidity that are causing the low temperatures—this, of course, along with the use of heat sources.

Finding or even creating a shelter in the bush and having thermal blankets or hot water bottles when previously aware of this type of risk can make all the difference in these cases. See more details:

Passive warming: use of clothing and blankets

Passive warming techniques include the use of dry clothing and thermal blankets. Avoiding drafts and ensuring thermal insulation on the ground is essential to increase warming effectiveness.

Active warming: use of external heat sources

The use of external heat sources, such as survival fires in the bush and hot water bottles, is essential for treating hypothermia in more severe stages. Combine heat with passive techniques, such as using blankets, to maximize results and be sure to monitor the victim during the process to avoid overheating.

What not to do when dealing with hypothermia?

The most common mistake when treating hypothermia is exposing the person to very intense direct heat, such as getting too close to a very strong fire. This act can cause burns or even thermal shock, which worsens the victim's situation.

How to prevent hypothermia in forest environments?

Properly preventing hypothermia in forest environments begins with using appropriate clothing, with layers that offer high thermal protection and impermeability—this clothing preparation also being one of the main bases of survivalism concepts.

Prevention also involves constantly monitoring weather conditions and adjusting the route as needed. Other strategies include maintaining body heat, avoiding excessive sweating, and choosing safe places to rest.

Knowing the travel location and monitoring the weather forecast before an adventure is essential to avoid problems related to heat loss. Additionally, include emergency items, such as thermal blankets and fire kits, on your equipment list.

Finally, our recommendation is to monitor the body temperature and pulse of someone who is starting to show the first signs of hypothermia—thus preventing the condition from developing by treating it early.

How to build a shelter in the forest to combat the cold

Creating a well-planned shelter is a practical way to combat hypothermia in extreme situations. From choosing the best possible location to utilizing the resources of the area along with your personal equipment, paying attention to these details makes all the difference in dealing with a scenario that poses a risk of hypothermia.

Choosing the shelter location

Choosing the correct location to build a shelter is essential to prevent hypothermia and other problems in cold and humid situations. Always prioritize dry terrain, protected from the wind, and with easy access to natural resources and trails.

Use branches and leaves to reinforce thermal protection

Building natural shelters with branches and leaves is an effective way to avoid several serious problems, considering the potential of natural fibers to help block lower temperatures. Slanted structures, such as a lean-to shelter, help direct rain away and keep the interior dry.

Make a fire to warm the shelter

Fires near the shelter are a practical solution to prevent hypothermia and scare away nearby animals. The caveat is that you should take due care to prevent any forest fire or even a fire in the structure you have built.

In this exclusive material from Mundo CIMO, you learned all about hypothermia: what it is, its causes, symptoms, and, most importantly, tips on how to combat it efficiently. Continue on the blog to check out more important survival tips—such as learning about the best camping knives—and become an expert on the subject.

See you in the next post!