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Hypothermia

Hypothermia is a drop in body core temperature below the normal level. Hypothermia most frequently develops from exposure to abnormally low temperatures, such as:

  • immersion in cold water.
  • exposure to cool air in water-soaked clothing.
  • prolonged exposure to low temperatures.
Normal Body Core Temperature
37°C  (98.6°F)

Main Heat Loss Areas

 

Hypothermia affects the mental and muscle functions of an individual as indicated by the following signs and symptoms:

early stage
  • shivering
  • slurred speech
  • individual withdraws socially

 
intermediate stage
  • slow and weak pulse
  • slow respiration
  • irrational behaviour
  • lacks coordination, stumbles
  • confused and sleepy

 
final stage
  • loss of consciousness at final stage
  • weak, irregular or absent pulse or respiration

 

 
Stages of Hypothermia

°F

98.6

 

95

 

 

89.6

°C

37

 

35

 

 

32
 

 

Normal Core Temperature

Lack of Cooperation

Confusion

Strange Behaviour

Stiffness, Rigid Muscles

Lack of Coordination

Disorientation

Slurred Speech, Incoherence

 

 

Shivering Starts

 

 

 

Shivering Stops
Mild

Hypothermia

86

30
 

Unconsciousness

Possibility of Ventricular Fibrillation

Death
Severe

Hypothermia
 

 

 

A person found to be suffering from hypothermia requires immediate First Aid.

 

Take the following First Aid actions:

  • remove person from the source of cold exposure.
  • provide dry protected shelter, ideally warm.
  • prevent further decrease in body temperature and warm body gradually by:
       replacing wet clothing with dry clothing.
       wrap person in blankets.
       apply warm covering to head and neck.
       cover person with insulating device and vapour barrier.
       apply warm dry objects (40 to 45ºC).
  • if asked for, offer warm liquids, but not alcohol or stimulants.
  • do not rub or massage the surface of a person's body or extremities.
  • use or exhibit signals to indicate distress and need of assistance if necessary.
  • handle the person very gently:
    rough handling may bring on ventricular fibrillation in severe cases.
  • seek medical advice for other than very mild cases of hypothermia.
Review.