Most people associate hypothermia with extreme cold and winter mountaineering disasters. But the shocking truth is that this silent killer can strike even when temperatures are above 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
All it takes is a wet and windy day to drain away body heat faster than it’s produced.
Here are some surprising hypothermia facts:
– Water conducts heat away from the body up to 25 times faster than air. Get soaked to the skin in 60-degree water and hypothermia can set in within two hours.
– Wind chill has a huge effect. A body wetted by rain and exposed to 20mph winds above 50 degrees can lose heat dangerously fast.
– Accidents account for most cases of hypothermia, when people get stranded without a way to keep warm and are exposed to the elements for longer than they planned.
The takeaway is that hypothermia is insidious, sneaking up on victims regardless of air temperature that you might consider “safe”.
Staying dry is essential, as is carrying emergency gear even on pleasant fall and spring outings. Click Here for the simple way to be prepared at all times.