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Hypothermia
| Hypothermia,
or exposure, exists when the body core
temperature falls below 98oF. The
heart rate, cardiac output, respiratory rate,
and blood pressure fall. As the muscles cool,
shivering begins, become violent, and then
gradually ceases below 86oF as the
muscles become stiff. Central nervous system
cooling leads to a decrease in cerebral blood
flow, dilation of the pupils, stupor, and then
coma. |
| Hypothermia
may be classified by duration into acute
(several minutes to a few hours), subacute (several
hours to a day), chronic (one to may days).
Acutely, there is a large difference between
body core and outside temperatures. In
subacute and chronic hypothermia, the
differences between body core and shell
temperatures are smaller.
In general,
hypothermia occurs in one of the following
four (4) clinical settings:
-
Immersion
Hypothermia is usually acute or
subacute and results from immersion in
cold water. A similar hypothermia can be
due to exposure to cold rain and high
winds.
- Field Hypothermia
occurs in previously healthy individuals
such as skiers, climbers, hunters, and
hikers and may accompany injuries occurring
outdoors in cold weather.
- Urban Hypothermia
occurs in individuals with a physical
predisposition, disability, or illness.
Predisposing conditions include those
which increase heat loss (premature
infants and newborns with relatively large
surface areas), or interference with heat
production, i.e., the elderly with
impaired circulation.
- Hypothermia
occurs when the body core is accidentally
cooled to below 98oF.
It can be caused by exposure to cold ,
snow or ice.
Hypothermia
requires medical attention as soon as
possible. First aid should be applied to
prevent further heat loss and rewarm the
body core and extremities. Patients
with hypothermia
should be treated gently to avoid heart
problems.
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Supported
by the International Association of Fire Fighters
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