Hypothermia - a close call.
Discussion
Not go into the whys and wherefores spent a long time out on Friday night in -11C.
Knew it was going to be cold, so had all the usual multi layered thermals and specialist cold weather gear on, wrapped up to the nines.
Things took unexpected turn and out a longer time than usual.
Got cold but coping with it easily, no issues, then various things which required concentration. Didn't notice the cold, just got on with it, even thought at one point it must have warmed up a bit as didn't feel cold anymore. Why did I miss this warning sign?
Anyway finished job, cleared everone off, realised a bit stiff as walking back to car, thank God for remote locking and keyless ignition as couldn't have got key into lock. Just sat there shaking, managed to get heater working, quarter hour later put heated seat on and another ten minutes managed to set off back to base. But still getting pins and needles a few hours later when back at home and in bed.
Not funny, lesson learnt!
Knew it was going to be cold, so had all the usual multi layered thermals and specialist cold weather gear on, wrapped up to the nines.
Things took unexpected turn and out a longer time than usual.
Got cold but coping with it easily, no issues, then various things which required concentration. Didn't notice the cold, just got on with it, even thought at one point it must have warmed up a bit as didn't feel cold anymore. Why did I miss this warning sign?
Anyway finished job, cleared everone off, realised a bit stiff as walking back to car, thank God for remote locking and keyless ignition as couldn't have got key into lock. Just sat there shaking, managed to get heater working, quarter hour later put heated seat on and another ten minutes managed to set off back to base. But still getting pins and needles a few hours later when back at home and in bed.
Not funny, lesson learnt!
The UK and Ireland can have more dangerous weather than places like Poland with -20 C. Add in a bit of rain, a strong breeze and the wind chill will make you feel much colder. It's relatively easy to get hypothermia and like you said, often you dont realise it until its too late. Best advice is be aware of the effects of wind chill and take early action. If you google it I'm sure there is a chart that relates wind speed to temperature and wind chill.
Jeez, nasty! Glad you're OK - did others have problems too, and if so, did anybody else notice at the time?
My little sister is a competitive rower and was hospitalised with hypothermia after spending most of a race day sat in a boat on the water in about -6 weather - it had grounded and got stuck or something. Entire team of strong, healthy young people laid low by that one. Big big f
kup.
I have a very hard time keeping warm enough - the temperature regulation system doesn't work all that well in my body, and not being able to move about makes that a load worse. Means I get major hypothermia symptoms quite quickly and really have to be seriously careful about being outside at all at this time of year - it's a real pain in the backside.
My little sister is a competitive rower and was hospitalised with hypothermia after spending most of a race day sat in a boat on the water in about -6 weather - it had grounded and got stuck or something. Entire team of strong, healthy young people laid low by that one. Big big f
kup. I have a very hard time keeping warm enough - the temperature regulation system doesn't work all that well in my body, and not being able to move about makes that a load worse. Means I get major hypothermia symptoms quite quickly and really have to be seriously careful about being outside at all at this time of year - it's a real pain in the backside.
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