Tag Archives: storm

Hypothermic Patients – or how not to be one

FK – Cut my wet clothes off and I’ll be really pissed, especially if it’s that ridiculously overpriced cold/wet weather gear that I or someone else might need later.

Some of us aren’t rich and we can’t just go out and buy more on a whim. In a true ‘survival’ situation there might not be any more to buy. Don’t make me die twice. I’m not Hugh Glass.

Hypothermia can happen in 40-50 degree weather, especially if you’re wet. You haven’t been cold until your teeth are chattering uncontrollably, to the point it seems they could cut your tongue off if you stuck it between them.

Floyd Collins died from exposure years ago because of the weeks(or days accd. to Wikipedia but I don’t remember it that way) he spent trapped in a cave with others bringing him food and water.

I’ve seen people who travel for a living not even be smart enough to keep a sleeping bag or extra water in the vehicle.

And everyday street or work wear is not good enough:

FK – You absolutely do not want to wear cotton clothing in winter weather. You need things that will wick moisture away from your skin. There are modern materials and even ancient ones that are must haves for this time of year.

FK – Wool will allegedly keep you warm even when wet. I haven’t tested this. I’m told there are certain types of wool such as Merino wool that will not itch as badly as the ‘wooly pullys‘ they issued us in the Marine Corp. Those things feel like ants against bare skin. That’s why I prefer the more modern materials the military is issuing now a days.

Much of this gear can be bought at local military surplus stores. Do a search and see if there’s one near you. I usually go to Radcliff, KY near Fort Knox and Clarksville, TN., near Fort Campbell.