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 Posted - 01/14/2010 : 09:10:09 AM
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As I was working in Columbia earlier this week I passed several small lakes and creeks that were iced over. As I was noting the frigid conditions with one of my cohorts I was reminded of the following story I put together a number of years ago for the newsletter and thought it was rather appropriate for this time of year.
Several years ago my college roommate and I decided to go up to the Chatooga River to try catching Trout on fly tackle. It was mid-February and we knew we would need some waders. We were both on a college budget and opted to purchase the cheapest waders we could find at the Wal-Mart in Seneca. Our chest waders were really nothing more than a thin vinyl stocking foot, they literally looked like a bibbed set of vinyl rain paints with a foot attached.
We knew we would definitely need some insulation under our waders, so we put on a couple of layers of socks plus our thermals and jeans before donning the waders. We then put on an old pair of tennis shoes to keep from tearing the foot of the waiters and hopped into the icy trout waters. Even with the extra layers of clothing I noticed my feet going numb, shortly thereafter my feet and lower legs were actually aching they were so cold. I kept asking my roommate if he was cold, he said yes a little bit but he was too consumed with his casting and trying to catch a fish. I was enjoying the new experience, but soon I was so cold I was no longer having fun.
I started making my way over to the bank where we had our tents set up. My legs were so numb I could barely walk. I lumbered up onto the shore, got together some fire wood, and started a nice size blaze, but my legs were still cold. I peeled off the waders and realized I was soaking wet underneath. The waiters had formed tiny holes in the feet from the rocks in my tennis shoes and the water had seeped in. It had come in so slowly that I did not even notice it was in there. I changed into some dry clothes and spent the next hour next to the fire warming back up.
This was definitely the coldest I have ever been in my life. This time of year even in the Carolinas outdoor sportsman run the risk of hypothermia. Water temperatures in the low 60s can cause hypothermia if a victim is exposed for long periods.
Hypothermia is simply defined as a condition where the core temperature of the body is lowered and the body looses heat faster than it can be produced. As the body temperature falls the victim begins to shiver uncontrollably as the body attempts to warm itself. Other symptoms of hypothermia include: the brain being deprived of judgment skills, loss of muscle coordination, slurred speech, sleepiness, and an indifferent attitude.
Cooling becomes more rapid as the core temperature falls. The victims pulse and breathing will slow and eventually the victim will slip into a coma if they are not rescued in enough time. There are several measures that can be taken if you find yourself in a hypothermia situation that may help improve your chances of survival. A few simple survival techniques for being immersed in cold water include:
Remain calm, excessive movement will do nothing more than promote fatigue.
If wearing a life preserver pull your knees up to you chest and lock your arms, this position is proven to lessen heat escape.
Restrict movement, it will help your clothes trap body heat. Experts recommend not swimming because it flushes cold water between your body and clothing.
If wearing waders keep them on and move into a sitting position, they will trap air and help keep you afloat.
If others are in the water with you, form a tight huddle to conserve body heat.
When a victim is pulled to safety, obviously they should be placed in a warm dry place as soon as possible. Wet clothing should be removed and the victim should be wrapped in blankets. Victims should be placed near a heat source such as heat packs or a fire to maintain body heat. The victim however should not be warmed too fast, remember the victim will be numb and may not realize how hot heating devices are so caution must be exercised that the victim is not burned. If the victim is conscious provide them with warm liquids. Do not allow a victim to consume alcohol, it will cause blood vessels to dilate and more heat will be lost. If the victim is awake keep them awake. Obviously if the victim is not breathing they will require CPR. Regardless get the victim to medical attention as soon as possible. Remember one of the symptoms of hypothermia is loss of judgment, a victim may believe they do not require medical attention when they in fact really do.
Winter time is a great time to enjoy as an outdoor sportsman here in the lowcountry, the ducks are flying, the fish are thick on the flats, and the crowds are down on the water. Remember to use a little extra caution while on the water. Wear layers of clothing to stay warm, if wearing a lot of clothes wear a life preserver to keep you afloat should you fall in. Float coats are a great alternative to life vests since they are usually less bulky and provide warmth at the same time. If wearing a pair of waders remember to wear a wader belt, should you trip and fall or step into a hole it will keep water from running down inside of the waiters. Keep some heat packs in your boats first aid kit, these chemically activated packs are inexpensive and available in most sporting goods stores. Finally just like always, remember to file a float plan with a friend or relative letting them know where you will be and when you will be returning.
Captain Tim Pickett
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