British Columbia CORE Hunting Practice Exam

What should be done to treat someone suffering from hypothermia?

1. Give them cold water to drink

2. Build a fire if there is no shelter

3. Encourage them to walk and exercise

4. Leave them lying on cold ground

The correct answer is: Build a fire if there is no shelter

Building a fire, especially when there is no shelter available, is a crucial step in treating someone suffering from hypothermia. Hypothermia occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it, resulting in dangerously low body temperatures. A fire provides essential warmth, aiding in the re-warming process. It also serves as a source of light and can boost morale, helping to prevent the individual from becoming more distressed. In contrast, providing cold water to drink can exacerbate the issue, as it lowers the internal body temperature further. Encouraging someone to walk or exercise may initially seem like it could generate heat, but it can lead to increased heat loss through perspiration and exhaustion, making the situation worse. Leaving someone on the cold ground prevents them from receiving adequate insulation, which further accelerates heat loss. Therefore, starting a fire is a fundamental method of providing immediate warmth and comfort to someone who is hypothermic.