HYPOTHERMIA

The nature of hypothermia is explained, the ways in which heat is lost from the body are summarized, and ways of counteracting this loss are described. Body heat may be lost by radiation, conduction, evaporation, and convection. Most of the radiated heat lost is via the head. A helmet will keep this loss to a minimum. Conduction loss may be minimized by wearing gloves when handling metal, and by avoiding exposure of bare skin to fluids such as gasoline. Evaporation heat loss occurs on the skin and in the lungs. The moisture loss must be aided by the wearing of several layers of clothing rather than one single layer. Thus moisture can escape into the outer layers rather than be trapped and freeze next to the skin. Convection heat loss is also minimized by the wearing of several layers of clothing. In addition, motorcyclists are urged to eat well, drink hot liquids, and avoid exposure by wearing windproof layers of clothing.

• Corporate Authors:

  US Air Force Inspection and Safety, Center

  Norton AFB, CA  United States  92409
• Publication Date: 1984-10

Media Info

• Features: Photos;
• Pagination: p. 18-21
• Serial:
  • Driver
  • Volume: 18
  • Issue Number: 5
  • Publisher: US Air Force Inspection and Safety, Center

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Heat loss; Helmets; Hypothermia; Motorcyclists; Protective clothing
• Subject Areas: Safety and Human Factors;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00395452
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
• Report/Paper Numbers: HS-037 978
• Files: HSL, USDOT
• Created Date: Jun 30 1985 12:00AM