Hypothermia is the decrease in body temperature due to 35oC and can occur when there is no adequate equipment in winter due to cold water accidents, for example, in these cases the heat from the body is able to escape quickly through the skin causing hypothermia.
Hypothermia can be fatal, so it’s important to start first aid as soon as possible to maintain body temperature and avoid complications.
Before hypothermia, it is necessary to follow the recommendations below:
During this process, if possible, try to control body temperature with a thermometer, this makes it easier to assess whether the temperature is rising; if the temperature drops due to the low temperature of 33 degrees Celsius, medical assistance should be sought immediately.
In the event that the person is unconscious, he or she should lean to one side and take cover, avoid giving liquids to any fluid in his or her mouth that may cause suffocation. It is important to be vigilant, in case the person wants to breathe, start a cardiac massage to maintain blood circulation in the body. Learn how to apply CPR.
In case of hypothermia, it is not recommended to apply heat directly, such as hot water or a heat lamp, which can cause burns, in addition, if the victim is unconscious, cannot swallow, it is not advisable to give him drink, which could cause suffocation and vomiting.
It is contrary to providing the victim with alcoholic beverages, coffee, as they can affect blood circulation, interfering with the body warm-up process.
When the body falls at very low temperatures, it initiates processes that try to raise the temperature and correct the loss of heat, that is why one of the first signs of cold is the appearance of the sien, are the involuntary movements of the muscles of the body that try to produce energy and heat.
In addition, the brain produces a vasoconstriction that causes the body’s vessels, which have more stretching especially in the limbs, such as the hands or feet, to prevent the loss of too much heat.
Finally, in the most severe cases of hypothermia, the body has reduced brain, cardiac and liver activity, in an attempt to reduce heat loss that occurs with the functioning of these organs.