Hypothermia

What is hypothermia?

Hypothermia develops if the temperature inside the body falls below 35oC (95oF). In this condition the bodily functions slow down and may even stop. Hypothermia can develop quickly or slowly depending on how cold it is outside the body, and how well the body can eep or make heat.

What can cause hypothermia?

Hypothermia may develop if the body is too cold for too long. Babies, the elderly, or people who are thin and weak or ill are more likely to get hypothermia because they cannot keep or make heat as well. Someone is more likely to get hypothermia outside, especially if there is wind. Someone who has been completely covered in cold water (for example, in the sea or in a lake) is more likely to get hypothermia, since the body temperature drops quickly. So someone who has almost drowned should be carefully watched in case they have hypothermia.

 

How can you tell that someone has hypothermia?

He or she may have:

  1. skin that is very cold to touch (underneath the clothing)
  2. a pale or grey face
  3. a slow, weak pulse. In very bad cases the heart may stop.
  4. slow, shallow breathing
  5. shivering that he or she cannot stop
  6. difficulty in talking or may say or do strange things.
  7. He or she may begin to undress.
  8. His or her level of consciousness will get worse and the casualty will become unconscious.

 

Your actions:

As always, assess D R A B, respond as needed, and treat any more urgent conditions or injuries.

Get the casualty to shelter if possible.

Take off wet clothing if other clothing is available.

Wrap him or her in blankets, if possible with another person (this could be you) so the heat of that person can warm the casualty up.

Cover the head (but not the face).

If conscious give hot drinks if you can.

Try to get medical help. This is especially important if the casualty is a baby or an elderly person. However, NEVER leave the casualty alone.

Remember to keep checking the casualty’s vital signs and writing down (or remembering) what you found and what you did, so that you can report this to any health worker who takes over from you.

DO NOT:

Do not give alcohol or apply direct heat.