It is very easy to think of hypothermia as something that happens only to Arctic explorers in extreme weather conditions and to people who fall through the ice into freezing lakes. Such people are, of course, extremely susceptible to hypothermia, but conditions need not be super cold for hypothermia to strike.

Hypothermia occurs when the blood temperature, which is normally at 37 degrees Celcius (98.6 Fahrenheit) falls to below 35 degrees Celcius (95 Fahrenheit). While a healthy, young, well-nourished adult may not reach this condition in non-Arctic conditions, there are external factors which may make an individual more likely to succumb when weather conditions are cold.

How old and/or frail is the person? Is the immune system weakened by an underlying condition, such as cancer? Is the person under the influence of alcohol, which can lead to dehydration? These are just some of the factors which may make an individual more susceptible to hypothermia.

One of the first symptoms of hypothermia is shivering, but once hypothermia has set in, the body will try to conserve energy by all natural means in order to keep warm, and that includes not shivering. If someone close to you is shivering with cold and then stops, be very suspicious that they may be suffering from hypothermia.

If someone in your group has been drinking and seems to suffer from the cold unnaturally quickly, be aware of the possibility of hypothermia. Finally if the person seems confused and disorientated this, too, can be a sign of hypothermia. It is ironic that a person suffering with hypothermia may become so confused that they no longer seem to feel the cold and take little heed of any advice to put on extra warm clothing.

If the victim's body temperature does not fall below 32 degrees Celcius (90 Fahrenheit) then a full recovery from hypothermia is almost certain with proper medical treatment. It is important to act as quickly as possible and to remember that your actions are only First Aid and that qualified medical help should be found as soon as is practicable.

In the case of mild hypothermia, remember that wet clothes and exposure to strong wind and rain or snow will make things worse. Try to get the victim out of any soaked clothing. Replace this with dry covering of fresh clothing if available or blankets etc. Try to get the victim out of severe weather conditions and under shelter, even if you have to make the shelter from whatever you can find available. If they are conscious and reasonably lucid, give them warm drinks if possible, followed by biscuits, sweets (candy) or any other sugary food you may have available.

If the victim is unconscious, delirious or otherwise seems to be in a more severe stage of hypothermia you should not administer food or drink and should be very careful not to move him or her suddenly as sudden movements could induce irregular heart rhythms and exacerbate an already dangerous condition. Do all you can to seek qualified medical attention as quickly as possible.

If treated promptly and appropriately, hypothermia victims will recover without lasting problems. Never treat hypothermia lightly, however. Serious hypothermia kills. If in doubt just remember that it is always better to be safe than sorry. Better to treat a case of severe cold as hypothermia than to allow a hypothermic patient to die through lack of care.

Learn more about this author, Colin Morley.
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