So let's say a friend has been outside exercising pretty intensely (eg. running) and they are caught in the rain. They have slipped and got impact trauma to their body and head but no broken bones. Their clothing is drenched from rain. You have managed to locate them but after making it to shelter the friend faints/loses consciousness and it's up to you to make sure they are ok. I would imagine the fainting could be either from fatigue, the injuries, cold or a combination of both? Temperature wise, it is Summer around +20-25C although due to the rainy weather it would be less than this. There isn't a significant amount of wind. They are wearing a single layer of casual clothes (that you would go jogging in) that is not water resistant.
Signs & Symptoms before and after:
- Some tiredness from the intense exercise
- Some pain from the trauma caused by slipping
- Some shivering from the coldness (rain & wet clothes)
Things not available:
- Building a fire (due to type of shelter)
- Sleeping bag (neither of us have one)
- Medical personnel/clinics
Things available:
- Blankets
- Towels
- Basic first aid kit
- Kettle, water, cups, bowls
My first instinct would be the removal of the friend's wet clothes, but let's say for arguments sake that this is not something you are comfortable doing. Happy for comments on this but please include alternative also.
What steps should you take to make sure they wake and don't get worse?
