Overview

Hypothermia occurs when the physique loses warmth quicker than it may possibly produce warmth and the physique temperature falls under 95 levels Fahrenheit (35 levels Celsius). Left untreated, it may be life-threatening.

Hypothermia is commonly brought on by publicity to chilly climate or immersion in chilly water. Ongoing publicity to chill indoor temperatures can also trigger hypothermia, particularly in older adults and infants. Being exhausted or dehydrated will increase the danger of hypothermia.

When to hunt emergency assist

In case you suspect somebody has hypothermia, name 911 or your native emergency quantity.

Signs

Signs of hypothermia often develop slowly and will embrace:

  • Shivering, although this may increasingly cease as physique temperature drops.
  • Slurred speech or mumbling.
  • Gradual, shallow respiratory.
  • Weak pulse.
  • Clumsiness or lack of coordination.
  • Drowsiness or very low vitality.
  • Confusion or reminiscence loss.
  • Lack of consciousness.
  • In infants, vibrant crimson, chilly pores and skin.

Therapy

To assist somebody with hypothermia, take these steps instantly:

  1. Gently transfer the individual out of the chilly. If going indoors is not attainable, shield the individual from the wind, particularly across the neck and head. Insulate the person from the chilly floor, equivalent to by laying a blanket beneath the individual.
  2. Gently take away moist clothes. Exchange moist issues with heat, dry coats or blankets.
  3. If additional warming is required, accomplish that step by step and give attention to the middle of the physique. For instance, apply heat, dry compresses to the neck, chest and groin. The CDC says that an alternative choice is utilizing an electrical blanket, if obtainable. If a sizzling water bottle or chemical sizzling pack is used, first wrap it in a towel earlier than making use of.
  4. Provide the individual heat, candy, nonalcoholic drinks.
  5. Start CPR if the individual reveals no indicators of life, equivalent to respiratory, coughing or motion.

What to keep away from

  • Don’t rewarm the individual too shortly, equivalent to with a heating lamp or sizzling tub.
  • Do not try to heat the legs and arms. Heating or massaging the limbs can stress the guts and lungs.
  • Do not give the individual alcohol or cigarettes. Alcohol hinders the rewarming course of, and tobacco merchandise intrude with circulation that’s wanted for rewarming.

 

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April 16, 2024