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What is Hypothermia?
What is Hypothermia?
Hypothermia is defined as a core body temperature below 35°C. This drop in temperature may be rapid as in immersion in near-freezing water, or slow as in prolonged exposure within a temperate environment.
Who is at risk?
Who is at risk?
Very old or very young
Chronically ill, especially with cardiovascular disease
Malnourished
Exhausted
Intoxicated with alcohol or drugs
Mental impairment, e.g. Alzheimer's disease
Underlying medical conditions, e.g, stroke, severe arthritis, Parkinson's disease, spinal cord injuries, burns
Signs of Hypothermia
Signs of Hypothermia
Shivering
Slurred speech
Abnormally slow rate of breathing
Lethargy and fatigue.
Depressed level of consciousness (the most common feature)
Skin is cold to touch and appears grey/blue in appearance.
The patient’s pulse and respiratory rates may be depressed and/or variable
How can we help the casualty?
How can we help the casualty?
Provide reassurance
If possible, prevent further heat loss by removing the casualty from the cold environment and replacing any wet, cold clothing with warm, dry clothing/ blankets
Do not allow the patient to smoke, eat or drink alcoho
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