Hypothermia is a condition in which a person’s internal body temperature drastically drops below normal. This happens due to cold exposure. It is seen that hypothermia generally occur outdoors, but in certain conditions, it can occur indoors as well as there are many things expedites heat loss from the body. In the initial stages, hypothermia symptoms are mild, but if not treated in time they can develop into potentially life-threatening condition. In the later stages, a person can suffer cardiac arrest or may go into a coma.
First Aid Guide for Hypothermia:
For mild hypothermia, you should follow the self-care measures mentioned below and contact your doctor as soon as possible. For severe hypothermia, you should contact medical services immediately.
First aid measures for hypothermia:
- Examine the person’s airway, breathing and circulation.
- Shift the person to a warm area and put do away with any constricting and wet clothes. Replace them with loose and dry clothes.
- Keep him warm by covering his body with a warm blanket.
- Warm compresses on the neck, chest and groin are also helpful.
- Feed the person with warm, sweet fluid. Make sure the fluids are non-alcoholic.
Who’s At Risk?
People who are exposed to extreme cold climate are at a greater risk of getting affected by hypothermia. If they spend a lot of time outdoors in cold weathers or travel in cold areas, they may develop hypothermia. Babies and infants may become hypothermic, if they sleep in cold room. Even elderly, ill or those with poor circulation are at a greater risk of having hypothermia. In addition to all these, people who are on certain medication, consume alcohol and smoke have an increased risk of hypothermia.
Signs and Symptoms:
In the case of mild hypothermia, signs and symptoms may include the following:
- Severe shivering
- Confusion
- The urge to urinate frequently
- Lack of co-ordination
- Cold body
Infants affected by it may be cold, lethargic and their skin may turn red. If the case of hypothermia is severe, then following symptoms are seen:
- Very cold body but no shivering.
- Highly uncoordinated movements
- A severe feeling if weakness and drowsiness.
- Confused, slurred speech and loss of vision.
In late stages, a person may have stiff muscles or may become unconscious.
When to Seek Medical Care:
In case the symptoms are for mild hypothermia, the self-care measures will be helpful to a certain extent. But, for severe hypothermia, consult your doctor and call emergency medical services. Your doctor will initiate the necessary treatment for treating hypothermia. It includes resuscitation, cardiac monitoring, rewarming, etc. He can also put the patient on basic life support if necessary.