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Heart Attack
Hypothermia ranges from mild chills and shivering to coma and death.
Hypothermia is defined as a core body temperature of less than 95 degrees
Fahrenheit. Hypothermia signs and symptoms include:
- shivering
- exhaustion
- confusion
- slurred speech
- memory loss
- fatigue
- loss of motor control
(fumbling hands)
Some cold exposures are
worse than others. Wet victims lose body heat much faster than dry victims.
Windy conditions cause victims to lose heat very quickly as well.
- Make sure the victim
has an airway and is breathing. Follow the ABC's of first aid.
CAUTION: Victims may get worse as they get warmer. As the cold
blood in the extremities begins to flow back toward the heart, the victim's
body temperature may go lower. Be prepared for a change in the victim's
condition.
- Stop the
exposure. Move the victim to warm, dry shelter.
- Call an ambulance for
victims that show signs of severe hypothermia:
- confusion
- coma
- fumbling hands
- slurred speech
- Remove wet clothing -
leave dry clothing on victim.
- Wrap the victim with
blankets. Warming blankets (like electric blankets) work the best.
- Chemical heat packs
can be used on the victim's groin, neck, and armpits.
- Victims that are able
to follow commands and sit upright may drink warm, non-alcoholic beverages.
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First Aid Case List -
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