Hypothermia

Everyone has shivered in the cold before, but did you know that hypothermia can be a serious medical emergency? When your body temperature drops too much, it can become life-threatening. But how do you recognize hypothermia and, more importantly, what can you do about it? This blog will tell you everything you need to know to protect yourself and others from the dangers of hypothermia.

What is hypothermia?

Hypothermia, also known as hypothermia, occurs when the body temperature drops below 35 °C (35 °F). This happens when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it. Cold temperatures, wind, wet clothing or prolonged exposure to cold can cause the body to cool slowly. The faster the temperature drops, the greater the danger.

How quickly does hypothermia occur?

This depends on several factors. In icy water, hypothermia can occur within minutes, while on land it often takes a little longer. When clothing is wet or there is a strong wind, the body cools more quickly because the insulating layer of air around the body is removed. As a result, hypothermia can develop faster than you might expect.

When does hypothermia begin?

The severity of hypothermia increases as the body temperature continues to drop. At a temperature between 32 and 35 °C, hypothermia begins to manifest itself through shivering, pale skin and fatigue. When the temperature drops further to between 32 and 28 °C, muscles slacken, confusion increases and the heart rate slows. Below 28 °C, the situation becomes critical: the victim may become unconscious and even go into cardiac arrest.

Symptoms of hypothermia

The signs of hypothermia vary by degree of severity. At first, a person shivers a lot, chatters and has cold hands and feet. There may also be drowsiness. As hypothermia worsens, the shivering disappears completely, the muscles become weaker and the person becomes increasingly confused. In severe cases, the victim may lose consciousness and the heartbeat becomes weaker or even absent.

What can you do in case of hypothermia?

When you suspect someone has hypothermia, acting quickly is crucial. Get the victim to a warmer environment as soon as possible or protect them from further cooling. Remove wet clothing and dry the person thoroughly. Then wrap him in blankets or an insulating blanket, also covering the head.

Have the victim move as little as possible to avoid jerky movements. If the person is conscious, give warm, sugary drinks, but avoid alcohol and caffeine. Passive warming, such as blankets and body heat, is often sufficient for mild hypothermia. More severe cases may require active warming, such as with an electric blanket or heat pads. However, this must be done carefully to avoid burning.

Do you notice that the victim becomes drowsy, stops shivering or threatens to become unconscious? If so, call 911 immediately. Meanwhile, continue to monitor breathing and heart rate and initiate CPR if necessary until professional help arrives.

What should you absolutely not do?

Although you may be tempted to rub a hypothermic person warm, this can actually be harmful. Rubbing or massaging can push the cold deeper into the body. It is also dangerous to expose someone directly to heat sources such as a hot shower, stove or hot bath, as this can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure. In addition, alcohol and caffeine should be avoided because they dilate blood vessels and accelerate heat loss.

Do you want to be well prepared for various medical emergencies and learn how to act in life-saving ways? Then take our first aid and adult life-saving course.

In conclusion

Hypothermia is more than just a little shivering. It can be life-threatening, especially if you don't act quickly. Know how to recognize it and what to do - that can make the difference between recovery and a life-threatening situation. So, put on warm clothes, stay dry and be prepared for cold adventures!