Hypothermia

I don’t know about you, but it has been cold where I live. When I got up this morning and took my dog outside, it was 16° F. Based on the forecast, that will be the high temperature one day next week! In fact, a large portion of the US is expected to see some extremely cold temperatures over the next week or so. This is a great time to talk about hypothermia.

• Older Adults – As people age, their ability to regulate body temperature diminishes.
• Infants and Young Children – They lose body heat more quickly than adults and cannot generate heat as efficiently.
• People with Dementia or Other Mental Health Issues – These conditions can hinder the ability to dress appropriately for the weather, move to or stay in a warmer environment, or contact someone when their heat is not working.
• Those with Outdoor Occupations – Particularly those requiring prolonged time outdoors in cold temperatures.
• Homeless Individuals – Due to lack of adequate shelter and warm clothing.
• People living in a house that is too cold
  either from poor heating in the winter, or even too much air conditioning in the summer!
• People with Certain Medical Conditions – Conditions such as hypothyroidism, diabetes, stroke, Parkinson’s disease, poor nutrition, spinal cord injuries, and others, can affect the body’s ability to regulate temperature.
• People who use Alcohol or Drugs – Alcohol causes blood vessels to expand, leading to heat loss, while certain drugs can impair the body’s ability to regulate temperature. These substances can also give you a sense that you are warmer than you really are, and they can impair your judgement regarding when you need to seek a warmer environment.
• People on Certain Prescription Medicines – Including some antidepressants, antipsychotics, narcotic/opioid pain medicines, and sedatives.

• Shivering – An early sign, which may stop as hypothermia progresses
• Slurred speech or mumbling
• Slow, shallow breathing
• Weak pulse
• Confusion, clumsiness or lack of coordination
• Drowsiness or very low energy
• Loss of consciousness

• Wear appropriate clothing for the weather – This includes wearing:
  • Loose-fitting layers close to the skin. Wool, silk, or polypropylene inner layers hold body heat better than cotton
  • An outer layer of tightly woven, water-repellent material
  • A hat or hood and scarf to prevent heat escaping from your head, face, and neck
  • Mittens or gloves (mittens work better), and thick warm socks, preferably wool
• Avoid overexertion – Sweating leads to wet clothing!
• Stay as dry as possible and remove wet clothing as soon as you can.

• Dress them in more layers than an adult would need. Leave no skin exposed other than their eyes.
• Bring them indoors immediately if they start shivering.
• Bring them inside often to warm themselves when they’re playing outside in the cold.
• Don’t let babies sleep in a cold room. Use a warm sleeper that covers hands and feet when sleeping and as an underlayer when going outside. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen parents dressed in all kinds of warm layers, yet the baby has several inches of exposed skin between the bottom of the pants and the socks/shoes.

• Move to a Warm Area – Get the person indoors or to a sheltered area as quickly as possible.
• Remove Wet Clothing – Wet clothes should be removed to prevent further heat loss. However, don’t do this until in a warmer area. If you are unable to get to a warmer environment, use blankets over the wet clothing.
• Warm the Body – Use blankets, warm clothing, or body heat to warm the person. Avoid direct heat sources like hot water or heating pads, as they can cause burns.
• Provide Warm Drinks – If the person is conscious, offer warm, sweet, non-alcoholic beverages to help raise body temperature. Carbohydrates help fuel shivering, which warms the body.
• Perform CPR if Necessary – If the person is not breathing, start CPR immediately and continue until professional help arrives.
• Seek Medical Attention – Hypothermia requires professional medical treatment, so call emergency services or get the person to a hospital as soon as possible.