Dealing With Hypothermia

The onset of hypothermia occurs when the body’s core temperature falls below 35°C. A patient suffering hypothermia in its mildest form who is treated effectively will usually make a full recovery.

If the body’s core temperature falls below 26°C the condition will most likely be fatal, however, resuscitation has been successful on people with temperatures as low as 1° (so it is always worth attempting).

The underlying cause of hypothermia is over exposure to cold temperatures, however different conditions and types of patient will increase the risk.

• The hypothalamus (temperature control centre) of a baby or young child is under developed, and hypothermia can result from as little as being in a cold room.
• Elderly or infirm patients do not generate as much body heat, so prolonged periods in a cold environment can lower the core temperature.
• Wet clothing, or immersion in cold water results in the body cooling much faster than it would in dry air. Water conducts heat away from the body.
• A person who is not clothed properly in windy conditions will have cold air continually in contact with the skin, resulting in faster cooling of the body.

Possible signs and symptoms

• Pale skin, cold to touch.
• Shivering at first, then muscle stiffness as the body cools further.
• Slowing of the body’s functions, including thought, speech, pulse and breathing (the pulse can fall lower than 40 beats per minute).
• Lethargy, confusion, disorientation (con be mistaken for drunkenness).
• Lowered levels of response, eventually unconsciousness, then death.

Treatment of Hypothermia

If the casualty is unconscious

• Open the Airway and check Breathing. Resuscitate if necessary.
• Dial 999 for an ambulance.
• Gently place the patient in the recovery position. Do not move the patient unnecessarily, because the slightest jolt can stop the heart.
• Place blankets or other insulating materials under and around the patient. Cover the head.
• Constantly monitor breathing. The pulse may be hard to find, it is safe to assume the heart is beating if the casualty is breathing normally.

For a conscious casualty

• If you can shelter the casualty, remove any wet clothing.
• Quickly replace with dry, warm garments. Cover the head.
• If the casualty is fit, young and able to climb into a bath without help, bathe them in warm water. Don’t allow an elderly patient to bathe.
• If a bath is not possible, wrap them in warm blankets. Heat the room to a warm temperature if indoors.
• A casualty outdoors should be insulated from the environment and ground. Use a survival bag and shelter if available. Share your body heat with them.
• Give the casualty warm drinks and food.
• Seek medical advice if the patient is elderly, a child, or if you are in any doubt about their condition.
• If the condition seems severe. Dial 999 for an ambulance.

• NEVER give a patient alcohol (it dilates blood vessels, which will make the patient colder).
• NEVER place direct sources of heat on or near the patient (they draw blood to the skin, causing a fall in blood pressure and place stress on the heart).
• NEVER warm babies or the elderly too quickly (e.g. by placing them in a warm bath).