Heat also can be lost by convection as cool air passes over the body surface and carries away body heat. If a person's body or clothing becomes wet, water chill becomes a problem. Water conducts heat away from the body 240 times faster than still air. The effects of a cold environment also can be made worse by wind child. The more wind, the more heat loss by the body.
Wind increases the effects of cold temperatures.
Patients with injuries or chronic illnesses will show the affects of cold much sooner than healthy persons. Those under the influence of alcohol or other substances tend to be affected more rapidly and more severely than the average person. Keep the patient dry. Remove any wet clothing and replace the articles with dry items or wrap patient in dry blankets. Use heat to raise the patient's core body temperature.