Why You Should Undergo Emergency First Aid Training for Hypothermia

Fact Checked

All medical professionals agree that undergoing emergency first aid training is one of the best ways to prevent hypothermia especially in cases wherein the victim cannot be brought to a capable healthcare facility immediately due to extreme weather conditions. However, some people choose to not sign up for this training because they think that the condition is not that common or severe. Here are some of the facts about hypothermia which highlight the importance of undergoing emergency first aid training.

How Lethal Is Hypothermia?

Even though it is not known as one of the most lethal and prevalent medical condition in the planet, hypothermia is still responsible for hundreds of deaths each year in the United States alone. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, hypothermia is responsible for ending the lives of almost 17,000 people from 1991 to 2011. This means that hypothermia can be deadly when left untreated or when residents are unaware of the precautionary measures that can help prevent and treat this condition such as administering emergency first aid procedures when necessary.

Who is at Risk for Hypothermia?

Hypothermia
Hypothermia

During the second week of January 2014, it was reported by numerous news outlets that all 50 states in the US may experience extreme cold temperatures that can be as low as 21 degrees Fahrenheit due to the polar vortex. This puts all of its 313 million residents at risk for hypothermia. Aside from the US, Canada is also expected to experience extremely low temperatures due to the same cause. European residents are also at risk for Hypothermia, especially those who live in Finland, Iceland and Estonia.

How is Hypothermia Treated through First Aid?

Insulation is both a problem and a solution in hypothermia. Through first aid training, students can learn how to use insulation to save lives. Aside from making the victim lie on a warm surface, students would also be instructed to ensure that the victim does not come in contact with anything that is wet. They will also be taught how to properly administer warm and dry compress which can facilitate blood circulation and regulate body temperature. They will also be taught how to use several medical equipments that can raise the body temperature of the victim such as warm intravenous or IV fluids and cavity lavage. Most importantly, emergency first aid training will teach students how to remain calm during these situations.

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