Functional clothing: Why warmth is so important, what happens when you cool down
Nico Krauss
· 02.11.2022
How does the body regulate its temperature?
Put simply, body temperature, which is normally between 35 and 37 degrees Celsius, is the result of heat production and heat loss. Heat is generated by muscle activity such as contraction and movement, but also by shivering. Metabolic processes also control the heat balance. We lose heat, for example, through exposure to cold elements such as wind, water and sea spray.
At what body temperature does it become dangerous for sailors?
If the body's core temperature falls below 35 degrees Celsius, metabolic processes in the body function less well and neural activity is restricted. This is known as hypothermia.
What symptoms can occur?
Depending on its severity, hypothermia can cause a variety of symptoms: These include impaired judgement, lack of concentration, slow decision-making processes, unsteady gait and reduced fine motor skills. This is because the body restricts its energy to life-sustaining functions. Even moderate hypothermia with body temperatures of 28 to 32 degrees Celsius can cause these symptoms. This can make it difficult to navigate, stay on course and trim. A further problem is that those affected do not realise the increasing loss of control and thus endanger themselves and the crew.
What happens in the worst case?
If the core body temperature drops further, cardiac arrhythmia, irregular breathing and a so-called paradoxical feeling of warmth can occur: Those affected begin to undress as they can subjectively feel a great deal of heat. If the temperature drops below 28 degrees Celsius, unconsciousness or sudden cardiac arrest may occur. This is a medical emergency. Fortunately, such scenarios are extremely rare for a crew wearing weatherproof clothing - but are quite possible if they fall into the cold sea.
What should I do in the event of hypothermia?
In order to normalise the core body temperature, the affected person should be brought below deck into the warmth, exchange wet clothes for dry ones and lie down in a sleeping bag, possibly together with a person of normal temperature or a hot water bottle. Consume plenty of warm drinks, but under no circumstances alcohol.
Is there a risk of frostbite on hands or feet?
Superficial frostbite is rare as long as the ambient temperature does not fall below minus ten degrees Celsius. In strong winds, intensified by the wind chill effect, frostbite can occur even at higher temperatures. Exposed areas such as the chin, ears, cheeks and fingers are particularly affected. The skin then becomes waxy and pale in these areas and the tactile sensation is lost. Contact with warmer areas of the body, placing your hands under your armpits or on your stomach can help. As soon as the areas of the body have warmed up again, they can reactively turn red and burn or tingle.
