Hypothermia is a severe condition where the body’s temperature drops below what’s necessary for metabolism and body function. It isn’t a serious risk for most people, yet 700 people die every year from cardiac arrest or organ failure associated with hypothermia. Hypothermia can come on in a matter of minutes, and requires immediate medical attention.
Hypothermia is caused when more heat escapes the body than is produced, and usually occurs after exposure to cold temperatures and wet environments. Several factors can contribute to its onset, such as inadequate clothing, or age. Seniors and children are more susceptible to hypothermia, as are individuals with underactive thyroids, Alzheimer’s, alcohol abuse, and blood vessel or nerve disorders. There are three stages of hypothermia. In the first stage, the temperature drops 1-3°F, and mild to strong shivering ensues. In the second stage, the body temperature drops 3-7°F, shivering becomes more violent, and the skin may turn pale. The third stage of hypothermia is the most dangerous; the body temperature drop below 89.6°F and shivering stops. The victim usually has difficulty speaking, may act sluggish or have amnesia. The pulse slows, and the skin may turn blue.
When treating someone for hypothermia, the first thing is to move them out of the cold to prevent further heat loss. Remove wet clothing and replace with dry clothes. Insulate the person by laying them on a blanket or warm surface. Monitor their breathing; if breathing stop, begin CPR. Warm beverages also help warm the person from the inside out. When treating someone for hypothermia, there are some things that you should not do. Don’t apply direct heat, such as hot water or heating pads. Instead, apply warm compresses to the neck and chest. Don’t try and warm the arms and legs. Heat applied to the outer appendages forces colder blood back to the heart, lungs, and brain. Don’t rub the person; handle them gently because they are at risk for cardiac arrest.
A doctor will be able to take further steps to warm the person, either by giving warm fluids intravenously, or in extreme cases they may perform what’s known as hemodialysis. In hemodialysis, extra fluid, chemicals, and waste are removed through an artificial kidney, usually restoring body temperature relatively quickly. The blood is removed so as to warm it rapidly outside the body and then return the warmed blood back to the body.
Treatment of hypothermia is primarily a matter of preparedness, and the best means of treating hypothermia is prevention. The four easiest methods of avoiding hypothermia are: cover your head, avoid overexertion, layer clothing, and stay dry. Taking measures to prevent hypothermia is critical, and much more effective than treating it at its onset.