Close Call On The Sound Is A Good Reminder For Hypothermia Water Safety

A 19-year-old kayaker took to the waterway on Monday afternoon during our burst of nice weather but quickly ended up in the 49 degree waters of the Puget Sound. Although he was wearing a life jacket, his cotton sweatpants almost became his demise.

Fortunately his aunt was also paddling nearby to help rescue the young man and pull him from the water as he suffered from hypothermia. quickly responded and treated the patient for hypothermia, and he was left in the care of his aunt. He was fortunate to be ok, but this incident is a good reminder for anyone who spends time on the water here in the Puget Sound.

Significant hypothermia begins at temperatures of 95 degrees F and below. The lowering of the body temperature occurs as the body is robbed of heat by the surroundings. Water conducts body heat away up to 26 times faster than air of the same temperature. 

Normal body functions slow down with decreasing heart rate, decreasing respiratory and metabolic rate. Thought process is impaired and speech becomes confused. Reflexes are slowed and muscles become stiff and unusable. Then dangerous life-threatening heart rhythms develop which are hard to reverse.

Where does the body lose heat?

• Head, neck, armpit, and groin and lower abdomen, for the most part
• 50 percent lost from the head and neck alone heat flux across the skull, blood vessels close to surface
• Remember children lose heat quicker because of ratio of body mass to skin surface

How do we protect these heat-loss areas? 

• Create a micro-climate around body with insulators
  • Waders, gloves, hats, boots, shoes
  • Wet suits made of closed cell neoprene
  • Dry Suits and under garments
• Dress in layers
• Head coverings

Gig Harbor Fire & Medic One would like to remind water enthusiasts to always have someone with you at all times in case there is an emergency and always wear a life jacket.

Information provided by Gig Harbor Fire & Medic One.