4 hours ago
8
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Mountain climbing is a challenging, albeit enjoyable, experience. The risk of hypothermia, especially at high altitudes with extreme temperatures, is a serious threat to novice hikers.
Hypothermia occurs when the body temperature is far from normal. This condition is critical as it can reduce concentration, especially at high altitudes. Cold temperatures combined with rugged and steep terrain can increase the risk of death from hypothermia.
What is hypothermia?
As quoted from WebMD, hypothermia is a significant drop in body temperature usually caused by prolonged exposure to cold temperatures. Hikers are often exposed to low temperatures, especially during the rainy season, and it is not uncommon to find hikers who lose their lives due to hypothermia. Normally, a person's body temperature ranges from 36.5 degrees Celsius to 37.5 degrees Celsius.
A person will suffer from hypothermia when their body temperature drops below 35 degrees Celsius. In severe cases, a person experiencing hypothermia will have a body temperature drop to 28 degrees Celsius or lower.
To reduce this risk, here are 5 tips that can be applied by novice hikers from Washington Trails Association (WTA) to stay safe during the hiking process:
1. Wear Suitable Clothing
Choose suitable clothing for the temperature in the climbing area by applying layering techniques. Wear clothing of dry-fit or wool to absorb sweat, then layer with a jacket and waterproof clothing to protect the body from wind and rain.
2. Prepare Supporting Equipment
Always prepare supporting equipment such as aluminum foil blankets, raincoats, and tarps to protect the body from extreme weather and help maintain body temperature. Lastly, don't forget to bring a first aid box to anticipate the risk of accidents during the climbing terrain.
3. Consume Sufficient Food and Drinks
High-calorie foods can help the body stay warm, especially when facing low environmental temperatures. Eating and drinking enough helps the body produce energy and heat to face the cold mountain temperatures.
4. Rest in a Safe Place
When resting, please build a tent sheltered from wind and extreme weather to avoid a drastic drop in body temperature.
5. Pay Attention to Weather Conditions
During the climbing process, always pay attention to the weather conditions in the surrounding environment. If the weather worsens, consider descending from the mountain peak to avoid unwanted situations.
Muhammad Rafi Azhari contributed to this article.
Editor's Choice: Variety of Drinks That Should Not Be Consumed During Suhoor and Iftar
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Carstensz Pyramid: One of the World Seven Summits
2 hari lalu
Carstensz, also known as Puncak Jaya, is located in the Jayawijaya Mountains, Papua.
2024 Becomes Hottest Year on Record as 1.5C Global Temperature Limit Slips Out of Reach
50 hari lalu
The WMO says average global temperatures for the year exceeded 1.5 Celsius above the pre-industrial baseline for the first time.
10 Coldest Places on Earth, One in Canada
5 November 2024
Discover some of the coldest places in the world, where temperatures drop as low as -94C.
Australia Has Already Warmed by More Than 1.5 Degrees
31 Oktober 2024
Australia has warmed by 1.51 degrees Celsius since 1910, according to new State of Climate 2024 report. What does this mean for our climate future?
BMKG Explains Cause of Rising Temperature in South Sumatra Today
29 Oktober 2024
BMKG says the temperature in South Sumatra reached 35-36 degrees Celsius today.
BMKG Cites Causes of Jakarta's Recent Hot Days
2 Oktober 2024
BMKG said high humidity and temperature, as well as a lack of wind, have contributed to Jakarta's hot and sultry conditions.
Scientists Say 2024 Likely to be Hottest Year Ever as Global Temperatures Skyrocket
19 Juli 2024
Global temperatures are soaring, with last month being the hottest June ever recorded, according to the EU's Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S).
Mount Fuji Opens Climbing Season, 3 Climbers Died Within Two Days
15 Juli 2024
Three people were found lying unconscious near the crater of Mount Fuji on the first day the climbing season for Japan's highest mountain opened.
List of the 10 Highest Mountains in the World
23 Juni 2024
The following is a list of the highest mountains in the world.
24 Dead in Eastern India as Temperatures Soar
31 Mei 2024
At least 24 people died of suspected heatstroke in India's eastern states of Bihar and Odisha on Thursday, May 30.
