What is hypothermia?

Hypothermia is a potentially dangerous drop in body temperature, usually caused by prolonged exposure to low temperatures. As winter comes, the risk of exposure to cold increases. However, there is also a risk of hypothermia when faced with cold temperatures on a spring hike or surrounded by a summer sail.

 Normal body temperature is 98.6 degrees on average. In hypothermia, the body temperature drops below 95 degrees. In severe hypothermia, core body temperature can drop below 82 degrees Celsius.

 How does exposure to cold cause hypothermia?

When exposed to low temperatures, most of the heat loss (up to 90%) escapes through the skin. The rest is excreted through the lungs. Heat loss through the skin is primarily due to radiation and accelerates when the skin is exposed to wind and moisture. When cold occurs by immersion in cold water, heat loss can occur 25 times faster than at the same temperature.

 The hypothalamus, which is the temperature control center of the brain, serves to raise the body temperature by starting the process of warming and cooling the body. Shivering when exposed to cold is a protective reaction that generates heat through muscle activity. Another heat storage reaction called vasoconstriction causes blood vessels to narrow temporarily.

 Normally, heart and liver activity produces most of the heat in your body. However, when core body temperature drops, these organs generate less heat, essentially conserving heat and providing a protective 'shutdown' to protect the brain. Low body temperature can reduce brain activity, breathing, and heart rate.

 Treatment

1. Call 911 if you suspect hypothermia.

 Symptoms of hypothermia in adults and children include:

•  Confusion, memory loss, or unintelligible speech
•  When body temperature drops below 95 degrees Fahrenheit
•  tiredness or drowsiness
•  Loss of consciousness
•  numbness in hands and feet
•  shallow breathing
•  Shake
•  The baby's symptoms are as follows:
•  Bright red and cold skin

 Very low energy level

 2. Dilute slowly

 Please put one person inside. Remove wet clothing and allow the person to dry as needed. Warm up the person's torso first, not their hands or feet. Initial warming of the limbs can cause shock. Warm people by wrapping them in a blanket or dressing them in dry clothes. Do not immerse in warm water. Rapid warming can cause cardiac arrhythmias. When using a hot water bag or chemical heat pack, wrap it in a cloth. Do not apply directly to the skin. 3. If necessary, initiate CPR while warming people

 If the person is not breathing, start CPR immediately. Hypothermia reduces the respiratory rate and can inhibit the pulse.

 Begin pediatric CPR for children.

 Adult CPR begins. Continue to give CPR until the person is breathing or emergency help arrives.

4. Provide a warm liquid

 If conscious, give the person a hot drink. Avoid caffeine and alcohol.

5. Keep your body temperature high

 When your body temperature starts to rise, keep the person dry and wrap them in a warm blanket. It also wraps the person's head and neck. 

 In hospitals, healthcare providers continue warming efforts, including infusions and the supply of warm, moist oxygen.

 Confusion and fatigue can occur and affect your ability to understand what is happening and make smart decisions to ensure safety.