People can of course become hypothermic as a part of being otherwise unwell - this can even happen inside in warm weather, for example in a hospital. This is very different from exposure hypothermia. The spectrum of illnesses that can precipitate this is wide, including infection, diabetes, heart problems, a stroke ...... and it is more likely to occur in those with chronic illness(es).
Originally Posted by Mike T
Quite right Mike. I don't know the details of this case and if I did I couldn't disclose personal circumstances unless released else where. She did though have a very low core temp.
Interesting that Mike T... I have ankylosing spondilytis and really feel the cold, even now that it is warm! I am also suffering with a wound that doesn't heal and keeps being re-infected (waiting for another op on it) do you think this contributes to the fact that last night, as I was leaving work, I was feeling decidedly unwell? I had jeans on and t-shirt and woollen jacket/fleece type top but had to go under the duvet fully clothed when I got home, just to get warm... it was 25 degrees outside and 22.5 inside.
“the cause of my pain, was the cause of my cure” Rumi
Infection or inflammation can reset the body's thermostat to a higher level - whilst trying to get to that higher level the person will feel cold - hence shivering with a fever.
Over the year DP have been trying to make some of their members more aware of personal responsibilities when out alone or with in a group.
We talked about it at Nav courses and then a couple a weeks ago Carl ran a Mountain Safety course for the club.
Now to the present
On a head torch run last week a mix bunch of DPers were studying a map! when they heard a noise. Not far away in a grouse butt a lost cold and confused walker appeared. The group had spare clothes and food so got the person wrapped up and fed. They then escorted the walker off the hill and took them home.
But for that chance encounter the person would probably not been around in the morning. They lived alone and hadn't told any one where they were going even though they were apparently experienced and walked the area regularly.
The walker had got lost in the fog and got benighted as they had no map, compass or torch.
I bring this up just to remind people to:
Take proper kit inc a torch even in an area you know well.
make sure some one knows where you are going or at least that you are going...Accidents do happen.
For those that haven't read the Hypothermia guide or are new to fell running here is a link to it and the new pocket guide by the FRA
http://everythingoutdoors.co.uk/hypo...ses-treatment/
the clocks go back this weekend so lets be a little more prepared.
Good post Ian. I've already started taking gloves, hat & a spare top in my bum bag even though it's still mild. However, the change in temperature, yesterday, from my run back from work over the moors, was noticeable once I reached the top of Ilkley Moor. It's all too easy, even for experienced runners/walkers, to get caught out.
On my BG recce run this weekend along with the usual waterproofs ect I had down jacket and lightweight Bivi bag, I think of it as being there for the whole group not just for myself and the extra weight is good as it means you are training harder.
Well done to the DPs for the rescue.
Tahr
Annan and District Athletic Club. http://www.adac.org.uk/
This from Sarah who helped the lady off the hill...
Hi Ian,
I think the thing that struck me most was how wet and cold she was and how frightening it was that she had resigned herself
to spending the night huddled up in the grouse butt. However, within minutes of being found, spare clothing from people's bumbags
and rucksacks came out and was forced upon her, jumpers, gloves, hat. A torch was put in her hand and once we got going, we convinced
her to eat some jelly snakes. It made me realise just how important it is to carry spare gear, whether it's for yourself or as in this case, needed
for someone else.
She was obviously a confident walker and knew the area well but was ill prepared for fog and rain, not carrying a map or compass or sufficient clothing.
The other frightening thing was that she lived alone, so no one was expecting her home or knew of her whereabouts.
Sarah
Well put Ian. It just shows how disaster can strike even when one is not even injured.
Yep excellent post Ian
I took a tumble descending into Loch Callater on the run out with Murt the other day. Very close to taking a serious knock to the head and lots of broken fingers for good measure.
It can go very wrong, very quickly. You can't eliminate risk from life, but we should at least manage and mitigate it as far as is practicable.
pies
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