Chilled to the Bone

Continued...

Severe Hypothermia

Hypothermia progresses from borderline (core temperature 94 to 97 F) to mild (90 to 93) to moderate (80 to 89F) to severe (70 to 79F).

It is most accurately assessed by measuring core body temperature with a rectal thermometer - not something you'd ordinarily perform durig a day at the slopes.

Progression through the stages of hypothermia may take several hours or can begin within minutes after immersion in cold water. Some hypothermic near-drowning victims have made miraculous recoveries, so resuscitation efforts should always be made.

Once core body temperature drops below 90F (moderate hypothermia), shivering stops and is replaced by rigid muscles, a slow pulse rate and increasing confusion. A hiker or skier in this stage is unable to produce heat by muscular activity; glycogen stores have been depleted, and she is not rational enough to rescue herself.

Treatment involves warming plus emergency evacuation and treatment in a medical institution. In other words, if the victim stops shivering, get help as soon as possible!

Hypothermia can be accompanied by frostbite, a partial freezing of a body part such as the fingers, toes, ears or nose. Do not attempt to warm a frostbitten body part until you reach the safety of home or get to a medical facility. Partial warming in a cold environment can lead to refreezing and worse frostbite.

Once you have suffered from hypothermia or frostbite, you are more prone to develop it again, so you need to take special precautions on cold days. This is why it's a good idea to prevent becoming hypothermic in the first place.

Next: How to Reduce Your Risk

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Foreword: Billie Jean King

Comments by Barb Harris
Editor in Chief,
Shape Magazine

General Health
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