Exposure ‘is a sneaky killer’

Press, 27 May 1981, Page 15

Exposure ‘is a sneaky killer’

PAWellington A warning on the dangers of hypothermia has been issued by the Accident Compensation Corporation. “Beware ... hypothermia time is here again. Hotweather habits must be replaced with cold-weather common-sense,” said Mr Jack Harrop, safety controller for. the corporation. "Few people realise just how easily they can be overcome by exposure. It is a sneaky "killer which overcomes pebple before they realise the danger. “The brain is very sensitive to a dpop in body temperature with’ the result that judgment and rational behaviour deteriorates quickly. Consequently a perse- who is becoming exposed- may. be unaware of his predicament and may do the most foolish things as his condition deteriorates,” said Mr Harrop.

“Because of the extraordinary weather this summer people may have become a little complacent about the

need for protective gear should the weather suddenly deteriorate. “However, winter is coming on and the good weather will end with a sudden cold snap. When this happens let’s hope people who are out in the bush at the time are prepared. “People who go into the hills — trampers, hikers, runners — tend to forget how quickly the weather can change. Harriers particularly are at risk as they are usually lightly clad and carry no spare clothing,” said Mr Harrop. Mr Harrop said careful account should be taken of wind speed. “Ten degrees Celsius may seem pleasant enough, but with a 15. km/hr wind blowing the actual temperature will be about 4 deg C„ which is pretty cold.. “A -30 km/h wind will .reduce the temperature to freezing level, which will be fatal unless one is well protected;’’- Mr Harrop said.