HYPOTHERMIA

Hypothermia is the condition of having an abnormally low body temperature, typically one that is dangerously low. Cold exposure causes hypothermia when the balance between the body’s heat production and heat loss tips towards heat loss for a prolonged period, hypothermia can occur. Accidental hypothermia usually happens after cold temperature exposure without enough warm dry, clothing for protection. A position to minimize heat loss is the heat escape lessening position (HELP) to reduce heat lose while you wait for assistance. Hold your knees to your chest to protect the trunk of your body. You can prevent hypothermia by wearing protective covering like a hat, mittens, boots, and layers but loose-fitting and lightweight clothing to keep the body heat from escaping. Avoid activities that would cause you to sweat. Stay as dry as possible. Some symptoms of hypothermia are shivering, clumsiness, slurred speech, or mumbling, confusion, drowsiness, nausea, fatigue, increased heart rate, lack of coordination, hunger. Other causes, certain medical conditions such as diabetes and thyroid conditions, some medications, severe trauma, or using drugs or alcohol increase the risk of hypothermia. Some risk factors that can increase hypothermia from developing are older age, very young age, mental problems, alcohol and drug use, and medications. They are ways to treat hypothermia such as handling them gently and limit their movement, move the person into a dry location, use a first aid warm compress it’s a plastic fluid-filled bag that warms up when squeezed or makeshift compress of warm water in a plastic bottle or a dryer- warm towel, Apply the compress only to neck and chest.