This condition develops when body temperature falls below about 35 deg celcius.
Moderate hypothermia can normally be reversed and recovery will be complete. However
recovery is unlikey if the body temperature falls below 26 deg celcius.
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SYMPTOMS
- Casualty may be shivering if in early stages of hypothermia
- casualty's skin is cold, pale and dry
- casualty's temperature is subnormal
- Casualty may behave irrationally and gradually slip into
unconsciousness
- Pulse and respiratory rates are slower than normal
- As the casualty becomes unconscious, breathing and pulse become
increasingly difficult to detect and the heart may stop and require resuscitation
AIM
Prevent casualty losing any more body heat and help to regain normal
body temperature.
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TREATMENT
If casualty is at home
1. Remove the csualty's outer clothing and replace any wet
clothing with dry
2. Place her in a bed which has been previously warmed
3. Place a suitably covered hot-water bottle in her armpit or
over her brastbone.
DO NOT place hot water bottles in her extremities as this increases
blood flow through the limbs, which are still cold.
4. To rewarm her more quickly, place her in a hot bath at a emperature which
is bearable when tested with your elbow (approx. 43 deg C).
5. Give her hot drinks and high energy food.
If Casualty in the Open
1. Carry casualty to a warm shelter; insulate ground she is to lie on
2. Place her in a sleeping bed or cover her with
blankets, newspaper, sliver coil or other insulating materials.
3. Send for help; lie beside her to share your
body heat with her.
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