Hypothermia

What Is Hypothermia?

Hypothermia is the dangerous lowering of the body’s internal temperature to below normal. Hypothermia occurs when the body loses heat faster than it produces heat. When this happens, the heart and lungs can no longer work properly. The brain’s ability to think and make rational decisions is also affected. Hypothermia can develop very quickly and is a life-threatening condition.

What Causes Hypothermia?

Hypothermia is brought on by exposure to cold, chilling winds and by getting wet. It progresses quickly in a person whose body does not have enough energy-producing food to act as fuel for warmth and in a person who does not have on adequate clothing. It can happen on land or in the water.

Signals of Hypothermia

Signals of hypothermia include:

Shivering

Numbness

Glassy stare

Apathy

Weakness

Impaired judgment

Loss of consciousness (in late-stage hypothermia)

How to Prevent Hypothermia

Protect yourself from hypothermia by:

Always wearing a U.S Coast Guard-approved life jacket when around cold water.

Wearing layers of insulated clothes that keep you warm even when wet, such as clothing made of insulating synthetic materials.

Wearing a hat. Body heat is quickly lost through the head.

What to Do if You Fall Into Cold Water and are Waiting to be Rescued

To protect yourself against hypothermia if you fall into cold water, you should:

Keep your head out of the water.

Keep your clothes on.

Get into the HELP position (Heat Escape Lessening Posture).

Swim to shore only if it is a short distance or if a current is carrying you toward danger.

WEAR YOUR LIFE JACKET WHEN YOU ARE AROUND COLD WATER!

How Long Can You Survive in Cold Water?

The length of time you can survive in cold water depends on what you are wearing, your age, your body size and type, your fitness level, the length of exposure in the water and the temperature of the water.

You should remember that:

Wearing a life jacket increases your survival time.

Wearing a life jacket gives rescuers more time to find and help you.

A life jacket helps conserve body heat.

A life jacket helps keep your face out of the water.

How to Help Someone with Hypothermia

To care for hypothermia:

CHECK the scene and the victim.

Send someone to CALL 9-1-1 or the local emergency number

Gently move the victim to a warm place.

Give rescue breathing or CPR if needed.

Remove any wet clothing and dry the victim.

Warm the victim SLOWLY by wrapping in blankets or by putting dry clothing on the victim. Hot water bottles and chemical hot packs may be used when first wrapped in a towel or blanket before applying.

DO NOT WARM THE VICTIM TOO QUICKLY, such as immersing him or her in warm water. Rapid warming can cause dangerous heart rhythms.