Hypothermia

Definition of hypothermia: A lowering of the body's core temperature to a level where normal brain and/or muscle function is impaired.

Please Note!: The following information is taken from various resources and should only be used as a guideline to help yourself in an outdoors environment. Please DO NOT administer care to any individual regardless of the situation unless you feel qualified to do so.

 

Types of hypothermia

Acute:
• Caused by immersion or submersion in cold water.
   
• Exposure time is generally several minutes to one hour.

Sub-Acute:
• Also known as generalized hypothermia, mountain hypothermia or exposure hypothermia.
   
• Exposure time is generally several hours to several days.
   
• A combination of cold and wet conditions pose the greatest threat.
   
• One of the leading causes of wilderness emergencies.

Chronic:
• A condition that takes days to months to show obvious signs or symptoms.
   
• Common in elderly and often poor/homeless.
   
• Almost never seen as a wilderness medical problem.

Signs and Symptoms

Mild:
• Loss of fine motor skills, "Mild Stupidity"
   
• Lack of sound judgment
   
• confusion, apathy
   
• Pale and cool skin
   
• "The Umbles"
   
• Body temperature will be between 95° & 98°

Moderate:
• Uncontrollable shivering
   
• Slurred speech
   
• Increased confusion
   
• Stumbling gait
   
• Sluggish thinking
   
• Worsening of "the umbles"
   
• Body temperature will be between 91° & 95°

Severe:
• Shivering stops
   
• Low level of consciousness
   
• Muscle rigidity
   
• 'Decreasing, slow and/or non-palpable respirations and pulse'
   
• Cold and Cyanotic skin
   
• Body temperature will be 91° or below

Treatment for mild and moderate hypothermia:

1. Change the environment, find shelter. Immediately replace damp or wet clothing. A violently shivering patient will re-warm to a normal core temperature without additional heat, when he/she is adequately protected from losing anymore heat.

2. Add insulation under and around subject. Consider a 'Hypothermia Wrap' for a moderately hypothermic subject.

3. Encourage exercise if subject is able.

4. Build a fire or pack patient with heat packs or warm water bottles. Heat packs will be more efficient if applied to the soles of the feet or palms of hands.

5. Give warm, sweet, non-caffeinated liquids.

6. Encourage the patient to eat. The body will assimilate simple carbohydrates/sugars the quickest.

Note: Shivering patients re-warm faster if allowed to shiver in a dry, protected environment with adequate caloric intake.

Treatment for Severe Hypothermia

1. Treat gently. Rough handling may cause the subject's heart to stop.

2. Administer oxygen. Supplemental oxygen would be nice, but if unavailable, rescue breathing should be performed if breathing is undetectable or barely detectable.

3. Field warming is unrealistic. Prevent further heat loss, gently remove wet clothing, insulate subject, and change the environment.

4. Hypothermia Wrap if possible.

5. Rapid evac.

Note: Avoid chest compressions if there are any signs of life or the patient is rigid from the cold.

Prevention of Hypothermia

1. Know the environment. Be prepared with adequate gear, food and water.

2. Be attentive to the weather.

3. Stay well fed and hydrated.

4. Dress in layers. Wear materials that keep you warm when wet.

5. Stay dry.

 

Information gathered from the following resources:

National Safety Council, Wilderness 1st Aid

Wilderness 1st Responder, Buck Tilton