Physical Symptoms
of Hypothermia
By Smokey
Sturtevant
The following is a chart
to indicate the physical symptoms of hypothermia. It is provided to assist
in showing the various stages of hypothermia that are readily apparent.
It has no copyright and is to be used and distributed as you see fit.
I hope that it will help in the recognition and prevention and treatment
of hypothermia.
The chart is broken down
into approximate body temperature and the symptoms that develop at those
temps. The temps are in degrees f. If you have any questions regarding
hypothermia, please leave me a message or e-mail note. s.s.(on Compuserve)
Temperature ----- Symptoms
- 98.6-95.0
- Intense shivering, ability
to perform complex tasks is impaired, fatigue, poor coordination, immobile
and fumbling hands.
- 95.0-91.4
- Violent shivering, difficulty
speaking, sluggish in thinking, amnesia starts to appear, starts to
lose contact with environment, stumbling gait, feeling of deep cold
and numbness.
- 91.4-87.8
- Shivering decreases,
in it's place is muscle rigidity, erratic movement, thinking is not
clear, victim can't still stand, hallucinations, loses contact with
the surroundings.
- 87.8-85.2
- Rigid muscles, no shivering,
very irrational, starts into a stupor, pulse and respiration slow, pupils
start to dilate, skin is turning bluish, drowsiness.
- 85.2-78.8
- Does not respond to
words that are spoken, pulse is very erratic, reflexes do not function,
victim will be only semi-conscious, heart starts atrial fib.
- BELOW 78.8
- Heart and respiratory
failure, ventricular fibrillation, probable brain and lung hemorrhage,
apparent death.
Victims have been saved
with core temps as low as 75.0 F. The best chances of recovery are from
early diagnosis and treatment. Even though there may not be a pulse or
breathing, the victim can be saved. Many times the cold will cause a reaction
in the nervous system that can help the victim. The most important thing
to remember is that it won't go away!!! The problem must be treated and
treated quickly. This goes for others as well as for yourself. You should
always be aware of what is happening to you as well as your partners.
Be prepared to treat it before you cannot help yourself.
I hope that this proves
useful. s.s.
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