It occurs when a person’s temperature drops below 35ºC and the body’s mechanisms to prevent heat loss (redistribution of blood to important organs, chills) begin to fail. In addition to continuous or sudden exposure to low temperatures, factors such as extreme ages, thinness, consumption of alcohol or other drugs or bathing in very cold waters can favor a situation of hypothermia. The signs and symptoms that may appear are:
-Chills or shivering with cold, pale, dry and sometimes bluish skin.
-Changes in the person’s behavior (confusion, disorientation, irritation).
-Stiffness in arms and legs.
-Alterations of consciousness.
-Walking unstable and clumsy.
-Slow breathing. Pulse weak and slow.
To do:
-Keep calm and secure the environment.
-Assess the victim’s level of consciousness.
-Watch if he’s breathing. If he is not breathing or his breathing is ineffective (gasping, poor chest movement), initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation maneuvers.
-Remove the victim to a warm, dry environment.
-If you have wet or very cold clothes, change them for dry and warm ones.
-Cover the victim’s head with a hat or towel. Cover with blankets, first the chest and then the legs and arms.
-Take the temperature.
-Move the victim carefully, as sudden movements can trigger heart problems.
-Try external heating, submerging it in warm water (40º C), bringing it close to a heat source, putting it in a covered bed, but always gradually.
-If conscious and oriented, administer hot liquids with sugar. If breathing is very weak and the pulse is not palpable, be prepared in case it is necessary to start cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
-Ensure your rest in a retracted position of arms and legs.
-Continuously reassess the victim’s general condition and be attentive to changes in the level of consciousness and breathing.