Copley Hospital on Sypmtoms and Care for Hypothermia

For Immediate Release

01/20/2009




Recent media coverage of the airplane crash landing in the Hudson River focused on the threat of hypothermia while the survivors waited to be rescued. While hypothermia is often a concern during emergency situations, you should be aware that hypothermia can occur at anytime during the winter. Hypothermia could affect elders at home with inadequate food, clothing or heat; babies sleeping in cold rooms, and people who are outdoors for long periods; homeless, hikers, and snowmobilers for example, particularly if alcohol or drugs are being used.
      “Anyone who spends extended time in cold temperatures or a cool, damp environment can get hypothermia,” states Nancy Natvig, RN, Director of Emergency Services at Copley Hospital.  Natvig explains that hypothermia occurs when the body loses heat faster than the body can produce it. The severity of hypothermia can vary depending on how low one’s core body temperature goes.  “A normal body temperature is usually around 98.6 F.  A body temperature of 95 F or lower can signal hypothermia,” said Natvig.  Severe hypothermia can eventually lead to cardiac and respiratory failure. 
     “Hypothermia is an emergency condition and can lead to unconsciousness and death if heat loss continues,” explains Natvig.  “Knowing the symptoms and getting treatment quickly is critical.” Natvig notes that symptoms include shivering, appearing disoriented, unsteady in balance or walking, has cold pale skin and appears tired and is slurring speech.  “If someone shows sign of hypothermia you need to call 9-1-1 and warm him or her up until help arrives,” she added.
     The best ways to prevent hypothermia is by staying healthy; dressing for the weather by wearing layers including a hat; avoiding activities that cause you to sweat while outside; and staying dry.  Natvig also suggests keeping emergency supplies in your vehicle such as extra blankets, matches, candles and food such as water, granola bars or crackers.
 
     If you or someone you know may be experiencing hypothermia, Copley Hospital suggests you do the following until medical care is available:
      Move the person out of the cold. If you are unable to move the person, shield them from the cold and wind as best as you can.  Always keep the person face up.

• Remove wet clothes immediately.  Replace with a dry covering.  Make sure to cover their head. 
• A person with severe hypothermia may appear unconscious, with no apparent signs of a pulse or breathing.  If breathing has stopped or appears dangerously low or shallow, begin CPR immediately if you’re trained.
• Warm the center of the body first – chest, neck, head and groin with dry layers of blankets, towels or sheets.  Skin-to-skin contact works well.  Do not attempt to warm the arms or legs.  Heat applied in the arms and legs forces cold blood back toward the heart, lungs and brain causing the core body temperature to drop.  Don’t massage or rub.
• Warm beverages can help increase the body temperature, but do not give alcoholic beverages.  Do not try to give beverages to an unconscious person.
• After the body temperature has increased,  keep the person dry and wrapped in warm blankets including their head and neck.
• Get medical attention as soon as possible.