An explanation of the symptoms, treatment, causes and prevention. Tips on staying warm. Physical description of the problem
Hypothermia is a condition which occurs when a person's body temperature falls and the body cannot produce heat as fast as it is lost. It is a life-threatening condition when the body's core temperature falls below 95 degrees Fahrenheit.
It does not require sub-zero temperatures for a person to suffer from hypothermia. In fact, the condition can occur indoors, in southern states and even on a warm summer day.
Victims of mild hypothermia have a core body temperature of above 90 degrees. Symptoms include shivering, slurred speech, fumbling hands and memory lapses. The victim would most likely be responsive and able to talk; though they may stumble or stagger. Unlike a normal chill where a person may suffer from cold hands and feet, a person with mild hypothermia will have a cold abdomen.
The prime difference between mild and severe hypothermia is that while a person experiencing mild hypothermia will shiver and shake a person who has developed severe hypothermia becomes so cold the shivering stops. This is the result of the victim's body being unable of rewarming itself internally. At this point the victim will require external heat to recover.
Other symptoms of severe hypothermia include a core body temperature of below 90 degrees. The skin of the victim is ice cold and may appear blue in color. Muscles may become stiff and rigid. The victims pulse and breathing slow down and their pupils become dilated. In appearance, the individual appears to be dead.
If you suspect a person is suffering from hypothermia, the first step is to get that person out of the cold and into a warmer atmosphere. Handle them gently, because rough handling may cause a cardiac arrest. If the victim's clothing is wet, assist them into dry clothes. Place insulation beneath and around the victim with anything handy such as blanket, towels, sheets, pillows or even newspapers. Since 50 to 80 percent of a person's body heat is lost through the head, make sure you cover the victims' head as well. Then place the individual in a flat, horizontal position and call 911 for emergency medical assistance. You might want to dial 911 before you start the process.
For a victim suffering from mild hypothermia in a remote area, the prime objective would be to prevent further heat loss. In most cases of mild hypothermia, once a victim has taken measures to protect themselves from further heat loss, they are able to rewarm themselves by shivering which generates heat.
For a victim in a remote area suffering from severe hypothermia the situation is more serious. You will need to check the victim's airway, breathing and circulation. Check the victims' pulse for 30 to 45 minutes before administering CPR. Since warming a victim of hypothermia in a remote location is both difficult and rarely effective, the individual should be evacuated by helicopter to the nearest medical facility.
Ironically, hypothermia is more common in urban settings. There are a few precautions you can take to avoid hypothermia. Always, dress warm when traveling on foot or by vehicle in uncertain weather. If you are traveling by car it might be wise to carry an emergency box in your trunk with blankets, hats, mittens and an extra change of clothing.
Never try to warm a victim of hypothermia by warm water immersion, use any type of chemical heating pad or attempt to warm them with body to body contact. Shivering is the bodies built in defense against a falling body temperature and can provide more heat than most other methods of rewarming.
Teach children the dangers of hypothermia. Curiosity and youth make up a large number of hypothermia cases. Many cases result in falling through thin ice, so avoid walking or skating across any frozen bodies of water.
Taking a CPR and First Aid course to care for yourself and your family is highly recommended for all individuals.
