Hypothermia. What's the risk?

[Davidc]

I've just been outside, to the local convenience shop. I walked rather than go by bike, about a mile return.

I was very well wrapped, but by the time I got back I was shivering, fingers not working properly, and not co-ordinating properly, all symptoms of mild hypothermia!

Compared to most of the country it's tropical here, with the air temperature at -2deg and with windchill probably only down to -6deg or so.

It set me wondering: What is the risk, in the sort of conditions we have at the moment, of anyone outside walking or on a bike suffering from mild or more serious hypothermia? Given that it reduces mental acuity and impairs co-ordination what extra risks does it pose when on a bike?

Does anyone know? Has anyone been there?

 

[HLaB]

Never been there but I reckon there's a real risk if anything causes you to stop moving. With temps rising to 0.7deg and , I was feeling quite warm today (Winter Bib Longs (Wind and waterproof) Winter Base Layer, Winter Jersey and Winter soft shell; glove liners and winter gloves) but when I stopped for a comfort break I took off the gloves and opened up the jacket & jersey to get to the straps; thats my quickest stop ever, even with part shelter it was

 

[ColinJ]

I got a puncture on a winter ride once and my fingers got extremely cold very quickly when I was trying to fix it. I was contemplating walking several miles down the hill into the shelter of the valley to have another go. I really wouldn't fancy being 10 miles out on the moors in a blizzard*** trying to deal with a mechanical problem, or crashing in slippery conditions.

(*** A young man died 10 miles from here on Friday night when trying to walk home after his taxi had to stop because the conditions were so bad. )

 

[Crankarm]

Believe me you don't want to go there. The risk is premature death. You obviously did not wear appropriate clothing as had you done so you certainly wouldn't be shivering at only -2C. What winter jacket and layers were you wearing? Your story seems like a typical case of not reading the weather conditions properly and going out totally unprepared. Sorry. But people like you put the lives of others at risk when they have to go out to look for you when you don't return.

 

[GlasgowFinn]

(*** A young man died 10 miles from here on Friday night when trying to walk home after his taxi had to stop because the conditions were so bad. )

I read about that - his taxi couldn't get him home so he decided to walk. Very sad.

 

[HovR]

Never been there but I reckon there's a real risk if anything causes you to stop moving.

I felt the opposite today. Towards the end of my ride I was descending a steep hill which allowed me to pick up a decent speed, into a head wind. All the extra wind chill factor cooled me down a lot and I had to stop in a bus shelter to warm back up again!

 

[HLaB]

I felt the opposite today. Towards the end of my ride I was descending a steep hill which allowed me to pick up a decent speed, into a head wind. All the extra wind chill factor cooled me down a lot and I had to stop in a bus shelter to warm back up again!

Indeed

 

[MrGrumpy]

having suffered from this once before it was not a very nice experience in fact, I remember getting picked up and thrown into a hot shower. I was playing Rugby for the school in similar conditions to what we have now, game should never have gone ahead, never really got warmed up to the point that at half time I curled up into a ball in the changing room and just wanted to sleep! Was not good!

 

[albion]

Cycling is worse.

Have been out in a sunny still 0C and felt warm as toast.
A north east wind will make that feel like -8C for walking and down to maybe -20C cycling!

 

[snorri]

Does anyone know? Has anyone been there?

I've been as near as I want to be.
It is worrying to see some people say you can get warmed up by pedalling faster, this advice can put lives at risk. (IMO!).

 

[Rob3rt]

Believe me you don't want to go there. The risk is premature death. You obviously did not wear appropriate clothing as had you done so you certainly wouldn't be shivering at only -2C. What winter jacket and layers were you wearing? Your story seems like a typical case of not reading the weather conditions properly and going out totally unprepared. Sorry. But people like you put the lives of others at risk when they have to go out to look for you when you don't return.

As cheerful as always

 

[DRHysted]

I read many years ago that there was more risk of hypothermia in this country than Greenland, because we are not prepared for it.
I can't remember where I read it, or if it was true, but I could quite easily believe it.

 

[Ningishzidda]

http://www.ofcm.gov/jagti/r19-ti-plan/pdf/entire_r19_ti.pdf

Read this.

 

[Davidc]

Believe me you don't want to go there. The risk is premature death. You obviously did not wear appropriate clothing as had you done so you certainly wouldn't be shivering at only -2C. What winter jacket and layers were you wearing? Your story seems like a typical case of not reading the weather conditions properly and going out totally unprepared. Sorry. But people like you put the lives of others at risk when they have to go out to look for you when you don't return.

Not adequately rather than un.

The answer is Thermal wrap round hat, thick coat, 2 jumpers, shirt, scarf, thermal gloves, trousers, thermal socks and heavy shoes.

The bit I could feel was losing heat most was legs, if I'd correctly gauged the conditions and allowed for the wind properly I should have put on my long-johns. (Or more likely taken the car, which for me on a trip that short is unheard of).

 

[ufkacbln]

I Given that it reduces mental acuity and impairs co-ordination

Sounds like getting old to me!