Hypothermia Prevention and Management

Dec 26, 2010
Michael Koger

Hypothermia, or a lowered temperature of the human body, is a medical emergency which also requires preparation to prevent its occurrence.

Extreme environmental temperatures, whether too high or low, pose a serious medical situation for people of all age groups. In regions of the world where temperatures are very low during winter months, it is essential to make preparations. The body will lose heat more quickly than it can produce it when there is exposure to these frigid conditions. The patient is at risk for frostbite, chilblains, and hypothermia.

Groups at risk

Several groups of people are at risk for hypothermia. First, elderly people who do not have adequate food, clothing, or heat in the home will be in danger. Inadequate heat in the home may result from failure to pay the utility bill; however, the home may not have very good insulation, and this will leave infants, children, and adults in a risky situation.

Moreover, community power failures from storms will create an emergent situation for households when there is no heat. Hikers and hunters who spend considerable time outside in cold weather will be at risk for hypothermia. Homeless people who sleep outside will obviously be prone to it as well. Additionally, workers whose jobs require that they remain outside a great deal are at risk.

Individuals who consume alcoholic beverages or who use illicit drugs during the winter months have a predisposition for this medical condition as there is impairment in judgment when they are outside in cold temperatures or anywhere else.

It is important to understand that hypothermia can occur even when it is not very cold outside. For example, if one has become wet from sweat, rain, or immersion in cold water, there is risk of hypothermia as these situations will naturally lower the body temperature.

There are several clinical signs and symptoms of hypothermia. Infants, for example, will display bright red and cold skin, or they may not appear to be very active. Adults will shiver and demonstrate confusion, exhaustion, memory problems, fumbling hands, slurred or garbled speech, and drowsiness. If the clinical picture is consistent with hypothermia and the patient's temperature is less than 95 degrees Fahrenheit, the observer should manage the situation as a case of that.

Emergency Medical Management

Since hypothermia is a life-threatening situation, the victim, or someone else present, should call 9-1-1 to activate the local emergency medical services. In the meantime, the observer should promptly move the patient to a warm room or shelter. If the victim's clothing is wet, one should remove them and cover the patient with dry towels or clothing, blankets, sheets, or an electric blanket.

The proper approach to warm the victim's body is to start with the chest, neck, head, and groin so that the central part of the body will warm first. If the patient is awake or conscious, one can administer warm beverages which do not contain alcohol or caffeine. If the patient does not show signs of life, such as pulse or respiration, then cardiopulmonary resuscitation is necessary.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a doctor for advice.