Hypothermia
Hypothermia
Hypothermia occurs when body temperature falls below 35°C. The cause of hypothermia is over exposure to cold temperatures. This can be as simple as a baby or young child spending too long in a cold room. Elderly people do not generate as much body heat, so are also vulnerable in a cold environment. A person in insufficient clothing in high winds would also be vulnerable to hypothermia, along with people in wet clothing in the cold.
Signs & Symptoms
Skin will be pale and cold. The casualty will shiver to begin with and then will become stiffer as they cool further. Body functions will slow down and pulse rates may go down as low as 40 beats per minute. They may feel confused, disorientated, and lethargic. Levels of response will fall, eventually they will become unconscious and then the situation becomes life threatening.
Treatment
If unconscious:
- Open airway and asses breathing.
- Call 999/112 and be ready to start CPR is the casualty is not breathing.
- Do not move the casualty unnecessarily, use blankets and other insulating materials under and around the casualty.
- Protect them from the cold ground and cover their head.
- Continue to monitor breathing.
If conscious:
- Shelter if possible and remove wet clothing.
- Quickly clothe them in warm, dry items and cover their head, use blankets if possible.
- Heat the room if indoors to 25°C. If outdoors, insulate them from the environment and ground. If a survival bag is available, use that and huddle together.
- Give the casualty warm drinks and high calorie foods if possible, do not give alcohol.
- Seek medical advice if in doubt. Call 999/112 if condition seems severe.
Avoid warming babies and the elderly too quickly and do not place direct heat sources on or too near to the casualty.
