As many as 87% of people that suffer general hypothermia will die!!
Causes: immersion in ice cold water or long exposure to the cold.
Stages:
1. Shivering – the body is trying to warm itself. Shivering will cease if the body temperature falls below 90F.
2. Apathy – decrease in muscle function. Fine motor function will decrease and will be followed by a lack of gross motor function.
3. Decreased level of consciousness – glassy stare and possible freezing of extremities.
4. Decreased vital signs – slow pulse and respirations.
5. Death.
REMEMBER – WITH A COLD INJURY – NO ONE IS DEAD UNTIL THEY ARE WARM AND DEAD. Recent medical advances have enabled many patients to survive extreme cold injuries. Cold water immersion deaths have been resuscitated up to one hour after death has occurred.
Treatment:
Basic life support – C.P.R. if needed.
Warm the person immediately
Dry the skin
Give hot liquids by mouth
Handle the patient gently
Frostbite:
There are 4 degrees of frostbite. The skin appears white and waxy. After re-warming the skin, the skin will appear red, hot and dry. The area will itch, with burning and swelling.