Hypothermia Depression of body core temperature Insidious, debilitating, can be fatal Common in winter outdoor activities PREVENTION is the best treatment

Heat Balance Heat Gain Heat Loss HYPOTHERMIA Basal Metabolism Voluntary Exercise Shivering (Intake) Heat Loss Conduction Convection Radiation Evaporation Respiration HYPOTHERMIA

Depth of Severity CORE TEMPERATURE DEPRESSION INCREASING DEPTH SHIT

Signs and Symptoms Judgement is the First Thing to Go If you are shivering you are mildly hypothermic A hypothermic hiker gets the “UMBLES” grumbles fumbles bumbles stumbles tumbles Untreated hypothermia leads to coma and death

Treatment Prevention, Prevention, Prevention Conscious Remove wet clothes, add dry insulating layers HYDRATE and give simple sugars (jello, cocoa, etc) Exercise to generate heat Reduced Consciousness “hypo wrap” Dry clothes, lots of insulation, windproof covering Do not attempt body-to-body rewarming Patient must be carefully evacuated and rewarmed in hospital