investigating outdoor environments and hypothermia and layering Flashcards
explain hypothermia
it is a dangerous condition in which the core body temperature drops below 35 degrees. mild hypothermia which exists between 32 and 35 is usually treatable, however the risk of death increases as it drops below 32, this is known as severe
define biodiversity
the number and variety of organisms found within a specified area
define community
a group of interdependent plants and animals inhabiting the same region and interacting with each other
geology as a factor affecting outdoor environments
the influence of geology in an area can be seen in the type of rock material found in a particular location, soil characteristics and drainage. soils develop overtime through interaction between the parent rock, the elements, living and decomposing plant and animal matter, and ground water.
climate as a factor affecting outdoor environments
climate is the prevailing weather conditions of a region. annual rainfall, extremes in temperature and average daylight hours are examples of climatic factors that can affect a landscape. other aspects of climate may include wind patterns, evaporation, ground temp, frost frequency and snow cover. to live in Australia’s harsh sustained dry and wet periods plants need to adapt
position and aspect as a factor effecting outdoor environments
geographical location is an important determinant in the development of environment types. in vic, vegetation on a hillside facing south typically has more shade, soil moisture and lower temps compared to one that faces north. the vegetation will be quite different
why do outdoor adventurers have detailed understandings of the environments they visit
although some do not, many activities require specific environments
recreational participants must have understanding, plan and prepare for theses varying conditions carefully
comprehensive knowledge is required and understanding of unique features of the environment
once involved participants can develop a closer relationship and sense of place within the environments
this is important so that their trip is safe and sustainable
examples of safe planning
good planing and prep access and evac points appropriate clothing and equip expected range of weather conditions access to medical help
examples of sustainable planning
sensitivities of flora and fauna
sites of cultural significance
access to drinking water
minimal impact strategies
what is conduction
heat passes out directly into a cooler object such as the ground, an injured person lying on the ground conducts 24 times faster than dry air
explain convection
heat rises away from the body into the air, clothing prevents this. wind chill is a good example
explain evaporation
heat is removed from the body as water or perspiration evaporates and the skin dries. wind chill also increases evaporation by reducing the pressure at the surface
explain radiation
heat is given off to cooler environments directly. the amount lost to cold water is 25 times that of cold air
what is first aid of hypothermia
- don’t massage or rub the person;
keep them still to reduce risk of heart attack. if they move it will pump blood away from CNS and drop the core eve more - move the person out of the cold;
at least protect them from the wind, cover head and insulate their body from cold ground - try to warm person;
don’t apply direct heat. apply warm compresses to neck, chest and groin. don’t attempt to warm the arms and legs, this sends cold blood back to the heart. don’t use hot water, heating pad or heating lamp - the burrito wrap;
needs a waterproof outer layer (tarp), sleeping pads (thermarest) for insulation, three sleeping bags, head covering and hot water bottles
more first aid for hypothermia
- don’t give alcohol
- don’t leave alone
- continually monitor breathing
- don’t assume the person is dead ( CPR can still work )
