Hypothermia - A chilling thought!
- Rhys Dobbs
- Sep 5
- 3 min read
The Changing Seasons and Mountain Safety: Protecting Yourself from Hypothermia
As the seasons shift and the landscape of the mountains evolves, so do the conditions we encounter during outdoor adventures. Spring melts into summer, autumn brings cooler breezes, and winter cloaks the peaks in snow and ice. These changes in weather and terrain can create unpredictable and sometimes hazardous environments. One of the most critical risks to be aware of, regardless of the season, is hypothermia.
Hypothermia can strike even in seemingly mild conditions if you’re not properly prepared or aware of its early signs. It occurs when your body loses heat faster than it can produce it, causing your core temperature to fall below 35°C (95°F). This drop can develop rapidly in cold, wet, or windy conditions—when your body struggles to maintain warmth. It’s especially dangerous because the symptoms can start subtly, often mistaken for being merely tired or chilled, but if left unchecked, hypothermia can progress quickly to confusion, loss of coordination, and even unconsciousness. In extreme cases, it can become life-threatening.
During the changing seasons in the mountains, the weather can shift unexpectedly. A sunny morning can give way to a sudden storm, or a gust of wind can intensify the cold. Trails may be muddy or icy, and water sources are often still cold and unyielding. This environment demands vigilance and respect. Recognizing the threat of hypothermia early and knowing how to respond can make the difference between a safe return and a life-threatening emergency.
Debunking the Head-Protection Myth
A common myth among outdoor enthusiasts is that protecting the head is the most important factor in preventing hypothermia. While wearing a hat does help, research shows that the key to maintaining body temperature lies in insulating the torso and core. A 2015 study published in the Journal of Wilderness Medicine revealed that, although head coverage accounts for about 7-10% of heat loss, insulating the chest and back is far more effective at keeping the body's vital temperature stable.
Management in a remote setting
In a wilderness or remote setting, managing hypothermia starts with early recognition—look for shivering, slurred speech, clumsiness, and confusion. At Reactive we use the mnemonic:
Mumble, Grumbles, Fumbles, Tumbles.
The priority is to prevent further heat loss: move the casualty out of wind and wet conditions, insulate them from the ground, and replace damp clothing with dry, layered insulation if available. Apply external warmth such as sleeping bags, blankets, or a bivvy, and use body-to-body heat if safe and appropriate. Provide high-energy food and warm, sweet drinks if the casualty is conscious and able to swallow. Avoid rapid rewarming (like hot baths) in the field as this can be dangerous; focus instead on gentle, gradual warming and maintaining core temperature until evacuation is possible. Always plan for safe, timely evacuation, as hypothermia can worsen unpredictably.
Real-Life Rescue Reflection
Recently, we responded to a rescue where a hiker was found shivering intensely after a fall. At first glance, it might have seemed logical to focus primarily on head protection, but we knew that warming the torso and insulating the central body was critical for recovery. Acting quickly to prevent further heat loss from the core made all the difference in ensuring the hiker’s safe return. However, lets not neglect that head - a spare hat or a snood goes a long way!
Introducing Our Remote First Aid Kit and Training
To better equip adventurers for these unpredictable conditions, we’ve just launched our Remote First Aid Kit (FAK)—a specially designed kit that provides essential tools to respond to emergencies in remote mountain environments. Whether it's dealing with hypothermia, injuries, or other critical situations far from immediate help, our kit is built to give you the confidence and resources needed to act swiftly and effectively.
But having the right kit isn’t enough on its own. That’s why our Mountain Safety Course includes comprehensive training on how to use your remote FAK. We teach you practical skills to handle hypothermia and other common mountain injuries, ensuring you’re confident in your ability to respond when it matters most. By combining knowledge and the right tools, you’ll be better prepared to protect yourself and your companions during your outdoor adventures.
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