Hypothermia
Hypothermia
Hypothermia occurs when body temperature falls below 35 degrees Celsius. The cause of hypothermia is over exposure to cold temperatures. This can be as simple as a baby, young child or elderly person spending too long in a cold room. Elderly people do not generate as much body heat, so are also vulnerable in a cold environment and young children are unable to regulate heat as this system in the body is underdeveloped.
A common cause of hypothermia is people hiking in the outdoors when weather can change and they find themselves ill prepared for the conditions. High winds and cold temperatures with insufficient or wet clothing leaves people vulnerable to getting cold quickly and the body temperature dropping.
Signs & Symptoms
- Skin pale and cold.
- Shivering during initial onset (this is the body trying to warm up).
- Stiffening muscles as body temperature falls further.
- Slow pulse (as low as 40 beats per minute or lower).
- Confusion, disorientated, poor decision making (may remove clothing).
- Lethargic.
- Falling response level.
- Poor decision making (may take off warmer clothing).
Treatment
If unconscious:
- Open airway and asses breathing, increase time to assess breathing for up to 1 minute)
- Call 999/112 and be ready to start CPR is the casualty is not breathing.
- Carefully move into the recovery position, prepare the ground first with insulating materials and roll them slowly.
- Use blankets or other insulating materials to reduce further cooling, use an emergency shelter if outdoors.
- Ensure the head is well insulated.
- Continue to monitor breathing.
If conscious:
- Move to a warm environment as soon as possible.
- If outdoors:
- Seek shelter if possible and remove wet clothing, replacing with dry and ensure the head is covered.
- Insulate from the ground. If a survival bag is available, use that and huddle together, share your body warmth.
- Give the casualty warm drinks and high calorie foods if possible, do not give alcohol.
- Always seek medical advice for children and the elderly or if in doubt.
- Call 999/112 if conditions deteriorate or rescue is required (e.g. from a hillside).
- Avoid warming babies and the elderly too quickly and do not place direct heat sources on or too near to the casualty.
