Hypothermia

What is Hypothermia?
Hypothermia is a medical emergency that occurs when your body loses heat faster than it can produce it.

The Danger Zone: Normal body temperature is 98.6°F (37°C). Hypothermia begins when the body temperature drops below 95°F (35°C). At this point, the heart and nervous system begin to fail.

Symptoms: Watch for the "Umbles"

Hypothermia affects the brain, making the victim confused. They often do not realize they are in danger. Watch for the "Umbles":

• Stumbles: Loss of coordination, clumsiness.
• Mumbles: Slurred speech.
• Fumbles: Slow reaction time, dropping items.
• Grumbles: Change in personality, irritability, or apathy.

Stages of Severity

Stage	Key Symptom	Status
Mild	Shivering heavily. Alert but confused.	Urgent.
Moderate	Shivering STOPS. Confusion increases.	Critical Danger.
Severe	Unconsciousness. Weak/irregular pulse. Paradoxical undressing (victim feels hot and takes off clothes).	Life Threatening.

🚑 WHEN TO CALL 911
If a person’s temperature is below 95°F, or if they have stopped shivering and seem confused/drowsy, call for emergency help immediately.

First Aid: Critical Do's and Don'ts

Treating hypothermia incorrectly can cause cardiac arrest. Follow these rules carefully while waiting for help.

✅ DO THIS:

• Be Gentle: Move the person slowly. Jarring movements can trigger a heart attack.
• Remove Wet Clothing: Cut it off if necessary to avoid moving them too much.
• Layers: Cover them with dry blankets (including the head).
• Skin-to-Skin: If necessary, use your own body heat to warm them.
• Warm Sweet Drinks: Only if they are fully conscious and able to swallow.

❌ STOP! DO NOT DO THIS:

• DO NOT Rub or Massage: Do not rub their arms or legs. This pushes cold blood from the limbs back to the heart, which can cause heart failure (The "Afterdrop" Effect).
• DO NOT Use Hot Water: Do not put them in a hot bath. It warms them too fast and can cause shock.
• DO NOT Give Alcohol: It dilates blood vessels and makes heat loss worse.
• DO NOT Use Heating Pads on Arms/Legs: Apply heat only to the chest, neck, or groin.

Causes & Vulnerable Groups

You don't have to be on Mount Everest to get hypothermia. It can happen indoors.

• The Elderly (Indoor Risk): Older adults lose the ability to regulate body temperature. A poorly heated house (below 65°F) can trigger hypothermia in seniors.
• Infants: They lose heat faster than adults. (Symptoms: Bright red, cold skin, and low energy).
• Alcohol Use: Alcohol makes you feel warm but actually causes your body to lose heat rapidly.
• Water Immersion: Water draws heat away from the body 25x faster than air.

Prevention: The "C.O.L.D." Rule

• C - Cover: Wear a hat. 30-50% of body heat is lost through the head.
• O - Overexertion: Avoid activities that make you sweat excessively. Wet clothes + cold air = danger.
• L - Layers: Wear loose, lightweight layers. Wool or synthetic materials are better than cotton.
• D - Dry: Stay dry. Change out of wet clothes immediately.

Disclaimer: The content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician regarding any medical condition.