What is hypothermia?
During exposure to cold temperatures, the body begins to lose heat faster than it can be produced. If the core body temperature drops below 95°F hypothermia occurs. Body temperatures which are too low can impair both mental and physical functions, which eventually can shut down completely. Because of the mental involvement, a person may not be aware of what is going on and will not be able to correct the problem. Although hypothermia occurs most commonly in very cold temperatures, a person can develop hypothermia over a period of time and in temperatures above freezing. In fact, exposure to wet and windy conditions and chill from rain, sweat, or submersion in cold water on a 30-50°F day can be as dangerous as a subzero environment.
Symptoms of hypothermia
Persons with hypothermia may experience the following symptoms:
- Violent or uncontrollable shivering
- Memory loss
- Slurred speech, incoherence
- Loss of fine motor coordination, fumbling hands
- Drowsiness, exhaustion
- Disorientation, confusion
- Infants with bright red, cold skin and/or very low energy
How do I treat hypothermia?
If you notice these symptoms you should attempt to move a person to a warm place as soon as possible. Take the affected person’s temperature. If it is below 95°F, get medical attention immediately. If medical care is unavailable, begin warming the person slowly.
- After moving to a warm location, remove any wet clothing and get the person into dry clothes.
- Start warming the center of the body first (chest, neck, head, groin) rather than the extremities. (Arms and legs should be warmed last.) You may do this with a warm blanket, an electric blanket or skin-to-skin contact under loose dry layers of blankets.
- If the person is awake, you may provide warm beverages to increase the body temperature. (Do not give alcohol, drugs, or coffee)
- After the victim’s body temperature increases, wrap the entire person in a dry, warm blanket including the head and neck. While seeking medical attention, keep the thermostat above 69°F, stay dry, eat food for warmth, and drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids to keep hydrated.
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Hypothermia is life threatening. Keep warm and dry.
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