Learn about hypothermia, how to recognize the signs, symptoms and the treatment.

What is Hypothermia?

Hypothermia occurs when heat escapes from the body faster than the body can produce it. Exposure to the cold for a prolonged period of time will use up the body's stored energy resulting in hypothermia or extremely low body temperature.

Be aware of weather conditions during outdoor activities, such as camping, fishing, hunting, boating and skiing.

Some Causes of Hypothermia

People outdoors for long periods of time including hikers, hunters and the homeless.
Elderly people with inadequate clothing, heating or food.
Babies sleeping in cold bedrooms.
People drinking alcoholic beverages or taking drugs.
Symptoms of Hypothermia
Shivering
Exhaustion
Confusion and stumbling
Slurred speech or memory loss
Slow breathing rate
Cold-pale skin
Drowsiness
Bright red or cold-pale skin and appearing listless (infants)

Hypothermia Treatment

If possible, take the victims temperature. If temperature is below 95 degrees, get medical help immediately.

Move the victim to a warm room or shelter as soon as possible.
Remove any wet clothing from the victim.
Wrap the victims in blankets, coats or towels wrapping the center of the body first then the head, neck and groin.
If necessary, gently hug the victim so your body heat will help to warm them.
To increase the body temperature, if possible, have the victim drink warm non-alcoholic beverages.

If the victim is unconscious and not breathing, administer CPR. Continue with the warming process (hypothermia patients sometimes appear to be dead, but administering CPR can be very successful.

What Not to Do in Hypothermia Treatment:

Do not use a warm bath on an elderly patient, this may cause the cold blood to reach the heart and brain too suddenly and cause a stroke or heart attack.
Do not give the victim alcoholic beverages to drink.
Do not aggressively rub or massage the victim in extreme cases of hypothermia because there may be a risk of a heart attack (be gentle, it is very important).

A good guide to use for hypothermia is by how much the victim is shivering. If the victim can stop shivering on their own, then the hypothermia is mild. But if the victim can not stop shivering, then the hypothermia is moderate to severe.

Paul Laris is an author and advisor on Emergency, Disaster and First Aid information. His website EmergencySuppliesInfo.com, will give you up to date information and videos on what to do before, during and after an Emergency.

Article Source: http://www.wellnessarticlelibrary.com

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