Hypothermia

What is Hypothermia

A medical condition that occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it, leading to a dangerously low body temperature.

What is the lowest recorded core temperature in a surviving adult?

60.8 degrees Fahrenheit.

At what core temperature does mild hypothermia begin?

95 degrees Fahrenheit.

What physiological response occurs at around 95 degrees Fahrenheit?

Maximum shivering response begins, as the body attempts to generate additional heat.

What happens to the body’s metabolism during hypothermia?

The body's metabolism slows down, leading to decreased oxygen consumption and blood circulation.

What is the "hunter's response"?

A physiological adaptation where surface capillaries open periodically to allow warm blood to pass into the extremities, maintaining flexibility in cold conditions.

What is paradoxical undressing?

A phenomenon where hypothermia victims feel an intense heat sensation and may remove their clothing, despite being in a cold environment.

What is the significance of the phrase "You aren't dead until you're warm and dead"?

It emphasizes that hypothermic individuals may still be alive and can be revived even when they appear lifeless.

What is the typical temperature drop in the core for a person in -35 degree air?

About 1 degree every thirty to forty minutes.

What are some common symptoms of severe hypothermia?

Confusion, lethargy, shivering, and eventually loss of consciousness.

What role do capillaries play in response to cold exposure?

Capillaries constrict to reduce blood flow to the skin and extremities, preserving core body temperature.

What is the effect of capillary constriction during hypothermia?

It helps retain heat within vital organs, but can lead to numbness and cold extremities.

How does the body’s blood flow change during recovery from hypothermia?

As the body warms, capillaries dilate, increasing blood flow to the skin and extremities, which helps restore normal temperature and function.

What can happen to blood circulation if hypothermia is severe?

Blood flow becomes sluggish, and blood can thicken, leading to potential complications such as frostbite or organ failure.