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HYPOTHERMIA

© Kathleen Newton

Living in Southern California for over a year now, I am convinced there are only two seasons here: warm and warmer. However, after spending the last four days in Colorado, I am reminded that in most parts of the country, it is fall, and winter is just around the corner. During our visit to the beautiful Colorado Rockies, the daytime temperatures were moderate, right around 60 degrees Fahrenheit. But the nights were COLD, down to about 15 degrees. While we were hiking early one morning in Rocky Mountain National Park, looking for Elk, I was very aware of the cold and how, even though I had anticipated cold weather, I really was unprepared to be out in this environment which is so unlike the one I live in. Fortunately, we realized we weren't properly dressed and decided to look for Elk from the comfort (and warmth) of the truck. Unfortunately, many people don't realize that they're not prepared to be out in cold weather, or choose to ignore the warning signs of impending hypothermia.

HYPOTHERMIA is a significant drop in core (internal) body temperature that, untreated, can cause cardiac (heart) and neurologic (brain) problems, brain damage, and even death. There are three degrees of hypothermia. Keeping in mind that normal core body temperature is around 36 degrees Celsius, MILD HYPOTHERMIA is defined as a core body temperature of 36-34 degrees (Celsius). MODERATE HYPOTHERMIA is a core body temperature of 30-34 degrees. SEVERE HYPOTHERMIA is a core body temperature of less than 30 degrees.

Several different factors are associated with hypothermia. *INADEQUATE PROTECTION FROM THE ELEMENTS: The most common cause of hypothermia is inadequate protection from the weather. Appropriate clothing must be worn to avoid hypothermia when spending time outdoors. *NEAR DROWNING: Near drowning victims who are in the water for a prolonged period of time are very susceptible to hypothermia, due to the extreme difference between body temperature and water temperature. Even water that is 85 degrees Fahrenheit is still about 13 degrees cooler than normal body temperature. *TRAUMA: Victims who suffer physical trauma are prone to hypothermia due to interference in the body's ability to regulate its temperature. DIABETES: Many diabetics have poor circulation, making it difficult for them to feel numbness in their extremities (arms and legs). ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUGS: Alcohol and other drugs dull the senses, and those under the influence may not notice the warning signs of hypothermia until it's too late, if at all. In fact, in some rural areas, 90% of deaths due to hypothermia are associated with elevated blood-alcohol levels.

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