Hypothermia
Highlights
- When exposed to
cold temperatures, your body begins to lose heat faster than it can be
produced.
- Low body
temperature may make you unable to think clearly or move well.
- You may not know
you have hypothermia.
- If your
temperature is below 95°, the situation is an emergency—get medical
attention immediately.
·
When exposed to cold
temperatures, your body begins to lose heat faster than it can be produced.
·
Prolonged exposure to
cold will eventually use up your body’s stored energy. The result is
hypothermia, or abnormally low body temperature.
·
Body temperature that
is too low affects the brain, making the victim unable to think clearly or move
well. This makes hypothermia particularly dangerous because a person may not
know it is happening and won’t be able to do anything about it.
·
Hypothermia is most
likely at very cold temperatures, but it can occur even at cool temperatures
(above 40°F) if a person becomes chilled from rain, sweat, or submersion in
cold water.
·
Victims of
hypothermia are often (1) elderly people with inadequate food, clothing, or
heating; (2) babies sleeping in cold bedrooms; (3) people who remain outdoors
for long periods—the homeless, hikers, hunters, etc.; and (4) people who drink
alcohol or use illicit drugs.
RECOGNIZING HYPOTHERMIA
(Warning Signs)
ADULTS
|
INFANTS
|
·
Shivering, exhaustion
·
Confusion, fumbling hands
·
Memory loss, slurred speech
·
Drowsiness
|
·
Bright red, cold skin
·
Very low energy
|
WHAT TO DO
If you notice any of these signs, take
the person’s temperature. If it is below 95°, the situation is an
emergency—get medical attention immediately.
If medical care is
not available, begin warming the person as follows:
·
Get the victim into
a warm room or shelter.
·
If the victim has
on any wet clothing, remove it.
·
Warm the center of
the body first – chest, neck, head, and groin – using an electric blanket, if
available. Or, use skin-to-skin
contact under loose, dry layers of blankets, clothing, towels, or sheets.
·
Warm beverages can
help increase the body temperature, but do not five alcoholic beverages. Do not try to give beverages to an
unconscious person.
·
After body
temperature has increased, keep the person dry and wrapped in a warm blanket,
including the head and neck.
·
Get medical
attention as soon as possible.
|
·
A person with severe
hypothermia may be unconscious and may not seem to have a pulse or to be
breathing. In this case, handle the victim gently, and get emergency assistance
immediately.
·
Even if the victim
appears dead, CPR should be provided.
·
CPR should continue
while the victim is being warmed, until the victim responds or medical aid
becomes available.
·
In some cases, hypothermia victims who appear
to be dead can be successfully resuscitated.
Additional information related to winter
weather health and safety can be found at:
