
Report by Sue Corkill, HW Tolerance
This month we look at the 'Thermias'— Hypo and Hyper
Mild Hypothermia is defined when the body temperature drops to 95° to 98°F. (35° to 36.6° C). Normal body temperature is 98.6° F (37°C). The affected individual's skin is cold to the touch; he or she shivers and will start to lose skeletal muscle coordination.

Moderate Hypothermia results when the body temperature drops to 89.6° to 95° F (32° to 35° C). The individual will be very cold, develop severe shivering, have slurred speech, and begin to have signs of a decreased level of consciousness and some amnesia.

Mild to moderate hypothermia can (theoretically) be treated with non-invasive means. This means getting the victim warm and dry. Move the victim to some place warm (but avoid too strenuous of activity), remove all wet clothing and keep him or her dry. If the victim is conscious, give him or her something warm to drink with a high sugar content. Hot water bottles can be used in the groin and under the arms. This is the level of hypothermia where you can strip your patient and rescuer down to their undergarments (or beyond) to help restore body temperature.
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Heat exhaustion is
a much more serious condition of extreme weakness and fatigue caused by
high temperatures and dehydration. Body temperature can rise to over 102° F (38.8°
C). Symptoms of heat exhaustion can include muscle cramps, pallor, nausea
and vomiting, extreme fatigue, dizziness, lightheadedness, rapid thready
pulse, headache, confusion, fainting, thirst and cool, clammy skin. The individual suffering from heat exhaustion
should be protected from the heat and placed in a shady place, given liquids
to drink (i.e. sports drinks are good), salt tablets and cold, wet compresses
can be used. Loosen clothing and
massage muscles if cramping has occurred.
Hospitalization is usually not required, though intravenous fluids
can be beneficial.
Heat stroke is a medical emergency and requires hospitalization. Symptoms include severe headache and muscle cramps (which may disappear); vomiting; high blood pressure followed by a drop in blood pressure; rapid pulse; hot, dry, red skin which later turns grayish in color and no sweating; confusion and then loss of consciousness; fever greater than 102.2 ° F (39° C); dilated pupils; slow, deep respiration's with pauses; body odor of burned flesh.
Treatment is aimed
at replacing fluids and electrolytes with intravenous fluids, maintenance
of respiratory and cardiac function, lowering of body temperature by the
use of hypothermia blankets and ice packs, the use of muscle relaxants
intravenously to reduce shivering and steroids to reduce edema.
Avoiding heat exhaustion
and stroke is the best treatment. In
hot weather, one should wear loose-fitting, lightweight clothing (they
were desert camouflage for a reason, light colored clothing reflects heat,
dark colors absorb heat), rest frequently and drink plenty of electrolyte-containing
liquids.
For more information:
http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/hsb/extremeheat/heatstroke.htm

