Hypothermia

Hypothermia, subnormal temperature of the body. Initial symptoms are weakness, slurred speech, confusion, shivering, and clumsiness. If the condition progresses, the weakness is replaced by stiff muscles, the person feels unable to move, and drowsiness and sleepiness occur. The body is no longer able to conserve heat, and the body temperature falls rapidly. Eventually, if nothing is done to return the temperature to normal, breathing will cease and the heart will stop. Activities that involve a high risk of hypothermia are swimming or other water activities; mountain climbing, skiing, and other activities that couple cold, wetness, and wind with exertion and sweating; and being out in the cold weather without proper clothing to provide warmth and protection from wetness. Special precautions must be taken with the very young and the elderly, who are the principal victims of hypothermia.

Drunkenness, exhaustion, hunger, disease, and illness all put people at greater risk of hypothermia. It is critical to stop the process immediately. Remove all wet clothing (it retains the cold and wetness); if possible, rewarm the body with whatever is available (dry clothing, towels, blankets, jackets, sweaters, even paper), and in an emergency, use the warmth (body heat) of others; a warm (not hot) bath is helpful. The person should be seen by a doctor as soon as possible.