What are the stages of hypothermia. How can you recognize hypothermia symptoms. What causes body temperature to drop dangerously low. How is hypothermia diagnosed and treated. What factors increase the risk of developing hypothermia.

Understanding Hypothermia: Definition and Core Temperature Changes

Hypothermia is a potentially life-threatening condition characterized by an abnormally low body temperature. But at what point does a drop in temperature become dangerous? Normal body temperature averages 98.6°F (37°C), while hypothermia is clinically defined when core body temperature falls below 95°F (35°C). In severe cases, it can plummet to 82°F (28°C) or even lower, posing grave risks to health and survival.

The human body’s intricate temperature regulation system, centered in the brain’s hypothalamus, works tirelessly to maintain thermal equilibrium. However, when exposed to cold environments for prolonged periods, this balance can be disrupted, leading to a cascade of physiological changes.

How does cold exposure affect the body?

• Up to 90% of heat loss occurs through the skin
• Remaining heat is exhaled from the lungs
• Wind and moisture accelerate heat loss through the skin
• Cold water immersion can cause heat loss 25 times faster than air at the same temperature

Recognizing the Symptoms: From Mild to Severe Hypothermia

Identifying hypothermia symptoms early can be crucial for prompt intervention and treatment. The signs and symptoms of hypothermia can vary depending on its severity, ranging from mild discomfort to life-threatening conditions.

What are the symptoms of mild to moderate hypothermia?

• Shivering (a good sign that the body is still trying to generate heat)
• Slow, shallow breathing
• Confusion and memory loss
• Drowsiness or exhaustion
• Slurred or mumbled speech
• Loss of coordination, fumbling hands, stumbling steps
• Slow, weak pulse

What are the signs of severe hypothermia?

In cases of severe hypothermia, the situation becomes critical, and immediate medical attention is essential. Symptoms may include:

• Cessation of shivering
• Unconsciousness
• No obvious signs of breathing or pulse
• Cold, pale skin

It’s important to note that infants and young children may exhibit different symptoms. Parents and caregivers should be aware of these signs in babies:

• Cold-to-touch, bright red skin
• Unusually low energy

Causes and Risk Factors: Who Is Most Vulnerable to Hypothermia?

While prolonged exposure to cold temperatures is the primary cause of hypothermia, various factors can increase an individual’s susceptibility to this condition. Understanding these risk factors is crucial for prevention and early intervention.

What are the common causes of hypothermia?

1. Cold exposure without adequate protective clothing
2. Immersion in cold water
3. Living in a cold environment without proper heating
4. Certain medical conditions (e.g., diabetes, thyroid disorders)
5. Use of specific medications
6. Severe trauma
7. Drug or alcohol use

Who is at increased risk for developing hypothermia?

Several groups are particularly vulnerable to hypothermia:

• Elderly individuals
• Infants and young children
• People with mental illnesses
• Outdoor enthusiasts and workers exposed to cold for extended periods
• Individuals under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Those with inadequate heating, clothing, or food

It’s crucial to note that hypothermia can occur even in relatively mild temperatures, especially for vulnerable populations. For instance, a frail older adult in a 60°F (15.5°C) house following a power outage could develop mild hypothermia overnight.

Diagnosis and Temperature Ranges: How Medical Professionals Assess Hypothermia

Accurate diagnosis of hypothermia is essential for appropriate treatment. While recognizing symptoms is the first step, medical professionals use specialized equipment and temperature ranges to categorize the severity of the condition.

How is hypothermia diagnosed?

Diagnosis typically involves:

1. Recognition of symptoms
2. Use of a specialized thermometer capable of detecting very low core body temperatures
3. Assessment of environmental factors and exposure history

What are the temperature ranges for different stages of hypothermia?

Medical professionals generally classify hypothermia into three categories based on core body temperature:

• Mild hypothermia: 90-95°F (32.2-35°C)
• Moderate hypothermia: 82-90°F (27.8-32.2°C)
• Severe hypothermia: Below 82°F (27.8°C)

It’s important to note that individual responses to hypothermia can vary, and these temperature ranges should be used as guidelines rather than strict rules.

Treatment Strategies: From First Aid to Medical Interventions

Hypothermia is a medical emergency that requires prompt attention. The approach to treatment can vary depending on the severity of the condition and the available resources.

What immediate steps should be taken for someone with hypothermia?

If medical care is not immediately available, follow these first aid steps:

1. Remove any wet clothing, including hats, gloves, shoes, and socks
2. Protect the person from wind, drafts, and further heat loss using warm, dry clothes and blankets
3. Move the individual gently to a warm, dry shelter as soon as possible
4. Begin rewarming the person using extra clothing, warm blankets, and if available, items such as:
   • An electric blanket applied to the torso area
   • Hot packs and heating pads placed on the torso, armpits, neck, and groin

What medical treatments are used for hypothermia?

In a medical setting, treatment may include:

• Passive external rewarming (using blankets and a warm environment)
• Active external rewarming (using heating pads or forced warm air)
• Active core rewarming (in severe cases, using warmed intravenous fluids or peritoneal lavage)
• Cardiopulmonary bypass (in extreme cases)

The choice of treatment depends on the severity of hypothermia and the patient’s overall condition.

Prevention Strategies: Staying Safe in Cold Environments

While understanding hypothermia is crucial, preventing it is even more important. By taking proactive measures, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of developing this potentially life-threatening condition.

How can you protect yourself from hypothermia?

• Dress in layers, with a waterproof outer layer
• Wear a hat and gloves to prevent heat loss from your head and extremities
• Stay dry and change out of wet clothing immediately
• Avoid overexertion that can lead to sweating in cold environments
• Stay hydrated and well-nourished
• Avoid alcohol when exposed to cold temperatures
• Be aware of wind chill factors
• Carry emergency supplies when venturing into remote areas

What precautions should be taken for vulnerable populations?

For elderly individuals, infants, and those with certain medical conditions:

• Ensure adequate home heating
• Check on vulnerable neighbors during cold spells
• Dress infants and children in one more layer than an adult would wear in the same conditions
• Be cautious with certain medications that can affect the body’s ability to regulate temperature

The Science Behind Body Heat Regulation: Understanding Thermoregulation

To fully grasp the mechanisms of hypothermia, it’s essential to understand how the human body regulates its temperature under normal circumstances and how this process can be disrupted.

How does the body maintain its temperature?

The human body employs several mechanisms to maintain its core temperature:

• Vasoconstriction: Blood vessels narrow to reduce heat loss through the skin
• Shivering: Involuntary muscle contractions generate heat
• Non-shivering thermogenesis: Metabolic processes increase to produce heat
• Behavioral adaptations: Seeking warmth, changing posture, etc.

What happens when these mechanisms fail?

In hypothermia, these thermoregulatory processes become overwhelmed or impaired:

• The hypothalamus may fail to trigger appropriate responses
• Shivering may cease as the body’s energy reserves deplete
• Vasoconstriction can lead to reduced blood flow to extremities
• Cognitive impairment can prevent logical decision-making for self-preservation

Understanding these physiological processes underscores the importance of early recognition and intervention in cases of hypothermia.

Special Considerations: Hypothermia in Specific Scenarios

While general knowledge about hypothermia is crucial, certain situations warrant special attention due to their unique risks or characteristics.

How does water immersion affect hypothermia risk?

Cold water immersion presents a particularly dangerous scenario:

• Heat loss occurs 25 times faster in water than in air at the same temperature
• The initial shock of cold water can cause involuntary gasping, increasing the risk of drowning
• Swimming or treading water accelerates heat loss

In water immersion scenarios, the priority should be getting out of the water as quickly as possible and removing wet clothing.

What are the considerations for hypothermia in mountaineering and extreme sports?

Participants in extreme outdoor activities face unique challenges:

• Rapid weather changes at high altitudes can catch climbers off-guard
• Physical exertion can lead to sweating, which then increases the risk of hypothermia
• Specialized gear is crucial for protection in extreme environments
• Proper training and preparation are essential for recognizing and responding to early signs of hypothermia

Mountaineers and extreme sports enthusiasts should always be prepared with appropriate gear, knowledge of weather conditions, and emergency plans.

By understanding the nuances of hypothermia in various scenarios, individuals can better prepare themselves and respond effectively to potential risks. This knowledge, combined with proper prevention strategies and prompt recognition of symptoms, can significantly reduce the dangers associated with cold exposure and help ensure safety in challenging environments.

Signs, Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Written by Rebecca Buffum Taylor

• What Is Hypothermia?
• How Does Cold Exposure Cause Hypothermia?
• What Are the Symptoms of Hypothermia?
• What Causes Hypothermia?
• What Are the Risk Factors for Hypothermia?
• How Is Hypothermia Diagnosed?
• What Is the Treatment for Hypothermia?
• More

Hypothermia is a potentially dangerous drop in body temperature, usually caused by prolonged exposure to cold temperatures. The risk of cold exposure increases as the winter months arrive. But if you’re exposed to cold temperatures on a spring hike or capsized on a summer sail, you can also be at risk of hypothermia.

Normal body temperature averages 98.6 degrees. With hypothermia, core temperature drops below 95 degrees. In severe hypothermia, core body temperature can drop to 82 degrees or lower.

During exposure to cold temperatures, most heat loss — up to 90% — escapes through your skin; the rest, you exhale from your lungs. Heat loss through the skin happens primarily through radiation and speeds up when skin is exposed to wind or moisture. If cold exposure is due to being immersed in cold water, heat loss can occur 25 times faster than it would if exposed to the same air temperature.

The hypothalamus, the brain’s temperature-control center, works to raise body temperature by triggering processes that heat and cool the body. During cold temperature exposure, shivering is a protective response to produce heat through muscle activity. In another heat-preserving response — called vasoconstriction — blood vessels temporarily narrow.

Normally, the activity of the heart and liver produce most of your body heat. But as core body temperature cools, these organs produce less heat, in essence causing a protective “shut down” to preserve heat and protect the brain. Low body temperature can slow brain activity, breathing, and heart rate.

Confusion and fatigue can set in, hampering a person’s ability to understand what’s happening and make intelligent choices to get to safety.

Hypothermia symptoms for adults include:

• Shivering, which may stop as hypothermia progresses (shivering is actually a good sign that a person’s heat regulation systems are still active. )
• Slow, shallow breathing
• Confusion and memory loss
• Drowsiness or exhaustion
• Slurred or mumbled speech
• Loss of coordination, fumbling hands, stumbling steps
• A slow, weak pulse
• In severe hypothermia, a person may be unconscious without obvious signs of breathing or a pulse

Hypothermia symptoms for infants include:

• Cold-to-touch, bright red skin
• Unusually low energy

Possible causes of hypothermia include:

Cold exposure. When the balance between the body’s heat production and heat loss tips toward heat loss for a prolonged period, hypothermia can occur. Accidental hypothermia usually happens after cold temperature exposure without enough warm, dry clothing for protection. Mountain climbers on Mount Everest avoid hypothermia by wearing specialized, high-tech gear designed for that windy, icy environment.

However, much milder environments can also lead to hypothermia, depending on a person’s age, body mass, body fat, overall health, and length of time exposed to cold temperatures. A frail, older adult in a 60-degree house after a power outage can develop mild hypothermia overnight. Infants and babies sleeping in cold bedrooms are also at risk.

Other causes. Certain medical conditions such as diabetes and thyroid conditions, some medications, severe trauma, or using drugs or alcohol all increase the risk of hypothermia.

People at increased risk for hypothermia include:

• The elderly, infants, and children without adequate heating, clothing, or food
• People with mental illness
• People who are outdoors for extended periods
• People in cold weather whose judgment is impaired by alcohol or drugs

Recognizing the symptoms is the first step in diagnosing hypothermia. A specialized thermometer, available in most hospital emergency rooms, can detect very low core body temperatures and confirm a diagnosis.

Temperatures for mild, moderate, and severe hypothermia generally range from:

Mild hypothermia: 90-95 degrees Fahrenheit

Moderate hypothermia: 82-90 degrees Fahrenheit

Severe hypothermia: Lower than 82 degrees Fahrenheit

Because response to hypothermia varies among individuals, temperatures may differ.

Hypothermia is a potentially life-threatening condition that needs emergency medical attention.

If medical care isn’t immediately available:

• Remove any wet clothes, hats, gloves, shoes, and socks.
• Protect the person against wind, drafts, and further heat loss with warm, dry clothes and blankets.
• Move gently to a warm, dry shelter as soon as possible.
• Begin rewarming the person with extra clothing. Use warm blankets. Other helpful items for warming are: an electric blanket to the torso area and hot packs and heating pad on the torso, armpits, neck, and groin; however, these can cause burns to the skin. Use your own body heat if nothing else is available.
• Take the person’s temperature if a thermometer is available.
• Offer warm liquids, but avoid alcohol and caffeine, which speed up heat loss. Don’t try to give fluids to an unconscious person.

If the hypothermic person is unconscious, or has no pulse or signs of breathing, call for emergency help right away. CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) should be given immediately if a pulse can’t be felt and there is no sign of breathing. Feel for the pulse for up to a whole minute before starting CPR, because the heart rate may be extremely slow and you should not start CPR if there is any heartbeat present.

CPR should be continued, in the absence of signs of breathing or a pulse, until paramedics arrive or the person is taken to a hospital.

In cases of advanced hypothermia, hospital treatment is required to rewarm the core temperature. Hypothermia treatment may include warmed IV fluids, heated and humidified oxygen, peritoneal lavage (internal “washing” of the abdominal cavity), and other measures. Complications during recovery can include pneumonia, heart arrhythmias, ventricular fibrillation (a dangerous “fluttering” rhythm of the heart), cardiac arrest (a sudden stopping of the heartbeat), and death.

Seek immediate medical help for anyone with hypothermia. Call 911 if you suspect severe hypothermia.

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Signs, Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Written by Rebecca Buffum Taylor

• What Is Hypothermia?
• How Does Cold Exposure Cause Hypothermia?
• What Are the Symptoms of Hypothermia?
• What Causes Hypothermia?
• What Are the Risk Factors for Hypothermia?
• How Is Hypothermia Diagnosed?
• What Is the Treatment for Hypothermia?
• More

Hypothermia is a potentially dangerous drop in body temperature, usually caused by prolonged exposure to cold temperatures. The risk of cold exposure increases as the winter months arrive. But if you’re exposed to cold temperatures on a spring hike or capsized on a summer sail, you can also be at risk of hypothermia.

Normal body temperature averages 98.6 degrees. With hypothermia, core temperature drops below 95 degrees. In severe hypothermia, core body temperature can drop to 82 degrees or lower.

During exposure to cold temperatures, most heat loss — up to 90% — escapes through your skin; the rest, you exhale from your lungs. Heat loss through the skin happens primarily through radiation and speeds up when skin is exposed to wind or moisture. If cold exposure is due to being immersed in cold water, heat loss can occur 25 times faster than it would if exposed to the same air temperature.

The hypothalamus, the brain’s temperature-control center, works to raise body temperature by triggering processes that heat and cool the body. During cold temperature exposure, shivering is a protective response to produce heat through muscle activity. In another heat-preserving response — called vasoconstriction — blood vessels temporarily narrow.

Normally, the activity of the heart and liver produce most of your body heat. But as core body temperature cools, these organs produce less heat, in essence causing a protective “shut down” to preserve heat and protect the brain. Low body temperature can slow brain activity, breathing, and heart rate.

Confusion and fatigue can set in, hampering a person’s ability to understand what’s happening and make intelligent choices to get to safety.

Hypothermia symptoms for adults include:

• Shivering, which may stop as hypothermia progresses (shivering is actually a good sign that a person’s heat regulation systems are still active. )
• Slow, shallow breathing
• Confusion and memory loss
• Drowsiness or exhaustion
• Slurred or mumbled speech
• Loss of coordination, fumbling hands, stumbling steps
• A slow, weak pulse
• In severe hypothermia, a person may be unconscious without obvious signs of breathing or a pulse

Hypothermia symptoms for infants include:

• Cold-to-touch, bright red skin
• Unusually low energy

Possible causes of hypothermia include:

Cold exposure. When the balance between the body’s heat production and heat loss tips toward heat loss for a prolonged period, hypothermia can occur. Accidental hypothermia usually happens after cold temperature exposure without enough warm, dry clothing for protection. Mountain climbers on Mount Everest avoid hypothermia by wearing specialized, high-tech gear designed for that windy, icy environment.

However, much milder environments can also lead to hypothermia, depending on a person’s age, body mass, body fat, overall health, and length of time exposed to cold temperatures. A frail, older adult in a 60-degree house after a power outage can develop mild hypothermia overnight. Infants and babies sleeping in cold bedrooms are also at risk.

Other causes. Certain medical conditions such as diabetes and thyroid conditions, some medications, severe trauma, or using drugs or alcohol all increase the risk of hypothermia.

People at increased risk for hypothermia include:

• The elderly, infants, and children without adequate heating, clothing, or food
• People with mental illness
• People who are outdoors for extended periods
• People in cold weather whose judgment is impaired by alcohol or drugs

Recognizing the symptoms is the first step in diagnosing hypothermia. A specialized thermometer, available in most hospital emergency rooms, can detect very low core body temperatures and confirm a diagnosis.

Temperatures for mild, moderate, and severe hypothermia generally range from:

Mild hypothermia: 90-95 degrees Fahrenheit

Moderate hypothermia: 82-90 degrees Fahrenheit

Severe hypothermia: Lower than 82 degrees Fahrenheit

Because response to hypothermia varies among individuals, temperatures may differ.

Hypothermia is a potentially life-threatening condition that needs emergency medical attention.

If medical care isn’t immediately available:

• Remove any wet clothes, hats, gloves, shoes, and socks.
• Protect the person against wind, drafts, and further heat loss with warm, dry clothes and blankets.
• Move gently to a warm, dry shelter as soon as possible.
• Begin rewarming the person with extra clothing. Use warm blankets. Other helpful items for warming are: an electric blanket to the torso area and hot packs and heating pad on the torso, armpits, neck, and groin; however, these can cause burns to the skin. Use your own body heat if nothing else is available.
• Take the person’s temperature if a thermometer is available.
• Offer warm liquids, but avoid alcohol and caffeine, which speed up heat loss. Don’t try to give fluids to an unconscious person.

If the hypothermic person is unconscious, or has no pulse or signs of breathing, call for emergency help right away. CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) should be given immediately if a pulse can’t be felt and there is no sign of breathing. Feel for the pulse for up to a whole minute before starting CPR, because the heart rate may be extremely slow and you should not start CPR if there is any heartbeat present.

CPR should be continued, in the absence of signs of breathing or a pulse, until paramedics arrive or the person is taken to a hospital.

In cases of advanced hypothermia, hospital treatment is required to rewarm the core temperature. Hypothermia treatment may include warmed IV fluids, heated and humidified oxygen, peritoneal lavage (internal “washing” of the abdominal cavity), and other measures. Complications during recovery can include pneumonia, heart arrhythmias, ventricular fibrillation (a dangerous “fluttering” rhythm of the heart), cardiac arrest (a sudden stopping of the heartbeat), and death.

Seek immediate medical help for anyone with hypothermia. Call 911 if you suspect severe hypothermia.

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90,000 symptoms and causes, stages. How to treat?

1. Causes of Hypothermia

2. Temperature control processes

3. Symptoms and stages of hypothermia

4. Diagnosis of hypothermia

5. First aid

Image by prostooleh on Freepik

Temperature is an important health indicator. Critical hypothermia of the body with a decrease in temperature below 35 ° C is called hypothermia. Typical symptoms are tremors, confusion, changes in breathing and pulse rate, blue lips, fingers and toes.

Causes of hypothermia

Hypothermia as a process of heat transfer disorders occurs when the body loses more heat than it produces. The rate of metabolism and adaptive response is regulated by hormones produced in the adrenal and thyroid glands.

There are two mechanisms of body heat production: obligatory and additional. Mandatory occurs against the background of the physiological processes of the body. The generated heat is enough to maintain a normal temperature, provided that the body is in comfortable temperature conditions from +18°С to +22°С. An additional one is activated when the ambient temperature is outside the comfort range. It consists of two types of thermogenesis:

• Non-contractile. The human body contains brown fat, which feeds on blood. It also contains mitochondria, tiny energy cells. Due to their internal combustion, many calories are burned and heat is released. This process is known as thermogenesis. Babies have the most brown fat. This is necessary to create a natural protection against the cold. Adults also have it, but in a much smaller ratio. Brown fat is located between the shoulder blades, on the neck, in the region of the kidneys.

• Contractile. Trembling (tremor) in the body occurs due to muscle tone, this is an uncontrolled process and the body’s defense against hypothermia.

Temperature control processes

The ability to maintain a constant body temperature around 37°C is called thermoregulation. The control center is located in the hypothalamus. The so-called target temperature value is also set here. Each part of the body is equipped with a temperature “sensor” (receptor) that signals temperature fluctuations.

From the point of view of creating comfortable temperature conditions, the vital organs occupy a dominant place, and the skin and limbs – according to the residual principle. Under conditions of moderate hypothermia, to reduce heat loss over a large area, heat is spent primarily on internal organs. The skin temperature may differ from the internal temperature, the fluctuation is up to 9 ° C.

The temperature range perceived by the body as pleasant does not require large expenditures for thermoregulation and can only be maintained at a constant level due to blood circulation in the skin. This state is called the temperature of indifference. It is 28-30 ° C, provided that the calculated values ​​​​are taken for a person without clothes at rest and with average air humidity. For a dressed person, this parameter drops to 22 ° C.

Body temperature is an individual parameter. In children, it is always slightly increased due to activity and intensive metabolism. In the elderly, the temperature may be below normal – 34-35 degrees Celsius, which is due to the speed of chemical reactions.

There are peripheral and central temperatures. Peripheral (surface) – the temperature of the skin. Measured on the forehead and in the armpits. Central – fixes the temperature of internal organs and large vessels, keeps at the level of 36.1-38.2 degrees Celsius. Areas for measurement – rectum, mouth, esophagus, nasopharynx, bladder.

Symptoms and stages of hypothermia

The state of hypothermia slows down all physiological functions, including the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, nerve conduction velocity, mental acuity, neuromuscular reaction time, and metabolic rate. Thermoregulation stops at a temperature just below 30 0C, then the body is completely dependent on external heat sources.

At first, severe shivering occurs, which subsides at temperatures below 310C, which contributes to an even faster drop in body temperature. The dysfunction of the central nervous system progresses as the body temperature decreases, the person ceases to feel cold. Lethargy, drowsiness, clumsiness are replaced by confusion, irritability, sometimes hallucinations and, finally, coma. Breathing and heartbeat slow down, and eventually stop altogether.

There are three stages of hypothermia:

• Stage 1 – “light hypothermia.” The temperature is 32-36 ° C, the body tries to maintain a constant internal temperature, releasing heat due to muscle tremors. At the same time, vasoconstriction occurs on the periphery, which reduces heat dissipation in the extremities.

• Stage 2 – “moderate hypothermia”. When the temperature drops to 28-32 ° C, there is an increasing loss of consciousness and a transition from a sleepy state to a soporous or coma state. It flows smoothly. Protective reflexes are reduced, and the release of heat stops. The Glasgow Coma Scale is recommended for an accurate assessment of a person’s condition.

• 3rd stage – “severe hypothermia.” If the temperature drops below 28 °C, complete loss of consciousness occurs. The pulse decreases, blood pressure drops, asystole, rigid pupils, muscle paralysis occur.

Hypothermia diagnosis

• Measurement of internal body temperature. If victims are unconscious, body temperature (in the rectum or in the oral cavity) may indicate a phase of hypothermia.

• Observation of the state of consciousness. Extreme fatigue, severe drowsiness, increasing confusion, decreased and uncoordinated muscle activity indicate hypothermia.

• Electrocardiogram. Shows abnormal heart rhythms.

• Blood gas analysis. The oxygen content and the pH value (ionic balance) indicate the current metabolic status of the organism.

First aid

If a person has symptoms of hypothermia, especially confusion, problems with thinking, an ambulance should be called immediately. If the person is unconscious, check the airway. If necessary, give artificial respiration, and the method is also recommended if the victim takes less than 6 breaths per minute.

Before the doctors arrive, the following steps should be taken:

1. Move the person to a warm area, remove any wet or tight clothing, and change into dry clothing (if possible).

2. Warm the person by applying warm compresses to the neck, chest, and groin. If the person is awake and able to swallow, give warm, sweetened liquid. Giving alcohol to a person with frostbite is strictly prohibited. Drinking alcohol increases the risk of hypothermia due to its vasodilating effect. There is a sharp influx of blood to the skin and limbs, which causes the person to feel warm, while increasing its loss. From 33% to 73% of cases of hypothermia are complicated by alcohol.

3. Stay with the patient until medical help arrives.

What is hypothermia? Symptoms and first aid for hypothermia and frostbite

• Blog
• Hypothermia – symptoms, first aid for hypothermia and frostbite

Contents

• Symptoms of hypothermia
• 1. Mild
• 2. Moderate
• 3. Severe
• Hypothermia First Aid
• Hypothermia First Aid
• Frostbite First Aid
• Hypothermia Prevention
• 1. Passive cold protection
• 2. Active heat recovery.

Hypothermia is a critical hypothermia of the body, when the body temperature drops to 35 ° C and below. Severe hypothermia leads to cardiac arrest and death. Hypothermia occurs imperceptibly, with a decrease in body temperature by 1-2 degrees, even during movement and physical work. Below we will consider how to detect it in time and provide assistance.

Symptoms of hypothermia

The main cause of hypothermia is the loss of heat in the cold through the skin and breathing. The protective program turns on – the mechanism of thermoregulation. The body saves important organs by sacrificing skin, fingers and toes, nose – without this, a person can survive.

Hypothermia is divided into three stages:

1.

Mild

The temperature drops to the first critical level of 35-34 °C. Trembling appears – the release of heat through muscle activity. Vessels narrow – the skin turns pale. At this stage, it is easy to get frostbite. The metabolism slows down, so a person feels lethargy, apathy, and critical thinking suffers. Symptoms of mild hypothermia include memory problems, the person does not remember where or where they are going. If hypothermia begins in nature at this point, it is easy to lose sight of your bearings. Hunger and fatigue exacerbate the symptoms.

2. Moderate

Body temperature drops to 30°C. The pulse is weak – the heart slows down to keep warm and protect the brain. The skin becomes cold, bloodless – a characteristic marble shade. The limbs are hard to bend. Metabolism and chemical reactions in the nervous system are disturbed. Disturbances of consciousness progress – severe drowsiness, speech disorders, hallucinations sometimes begin.

3. Severe

Low temperature, up to 27 °C and below. The person loses consciousness, the limbs become stiff, severe frostbite. The pulse practically disappears – you can feel it on the carotid artery. Breathing problems begin – rare and intermittent. At this stage, the pupils do not react to light, the heart may stop.

The first companion of hypothermia is frostbite of the extremities. There is a spasm of capillaries, the tissues do not receive enough oxygen and nutrition. The process occurs at different stages of supercooling. Negative consequences increase:

• hunger and overwork;
• immobile or uncomfortable position;
• tight footwear;
• wet clothes;
• immunosuppressed;
• vascular disease;
• mechanical damage;
• blood loss;
• alcohol intoxication.

Hypothermia First Aid

If the casualty shows signs of hypothermia, the goal of first aid is to stop heat loss. At all stages of hypothermia or frostbite, a hot bath or shower is prohibited. The patient should not be brought into a hot room, rubbed with snow and given alcohol.

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First aid for hypothermia

Conditions are created so that the body can warm up – they pull the victim out of the water or snow, leave a cold room or open area.

1. Warm the patient.
2. Remove wet clothing, pay special attention to shoes.
3. Cover with a warm blanket, put a heating pad, warm with your body or provide another source of heat.
4. If possible, organize a warm bath or shower. Raise the temperature of the water gradually, at first barely warm. So that a sharp increase in blood circulation does not destroy the vessels. The water is gradually brought to 40 °C. It is necessary to take a bath until the body temperature rises to the stage of mild hypothermia – 34 ° C
5. In case of severe hypothermia, first aid is not enough. You need to call a doctor or take the victim to the hospital.

Frostbite First Aid

1. It is necessary to remove the patient from the frost, gradually warm the frostbitten area, rub it with your hand until it turns red. This is done carefully, increasing pressure gradually so as not to damage the vessels. After giving the patient a warm, not hot drink.
2. When sensation returns to the limbs, the victim feels pain in the affected area, it is necessary to prepare an anesthetic in advance.
3. Next, the limb is wrapped in a warm cloth and fixed in a sling to reduce swelling. With severe frostbite, the patient is taken to the hospital. Before this, the patient is carefully insulated.
4. Do not put frostbitten hands on the battery, other hot surfaces, rub with snow, grease.

Prevention of hypothermia

Protective measures are divided into two stages:

1. Passive protection against cold – removes moisture from the skin.