Hypothermia is defi ned as a body core temperature lower than 35°C. Vital functions, particularly the circulatory system, falter at temperatures below 28°C (severe hypothermia).Hypothermia is caused by exposure to extreme cold.

Signs of cooling (goose bumps, shivering and numb limbs) appear gradually

More advanced symptoms include slurred speech, trouble walking and moving, poor coordination (loss of balance, trouble manipulating objects, speech diffi culties), drowsiness, fatigue and reduced muscle strength

In the case of frostbite (frozen skin on exposed body parts, such as the face, hands or feet): fi rst, skin redness and pain or a burning feeling appear fi rst, followed by skin discolouration, white patches and numbness

SYMPTOMSTake the person somewhere sheltered from the cold and wind. Do not place him or her directly on the fl oor.

If the person is wearing cold or wet clothes, replace them with dry and warm ones and start rewarming them using your own warmth or wrapping their entire body (head included) in a dry blanket or fi rst-aid blanket

Fully conscious individuals can be given hot drinks and/or high-energy foods. Alcohol and coffee are to be avoided

Unconscious victims should be placed in the recovery position while waiting for assistance. Handle them and warm them up with caution due to the risk of cardiac arrest

WHAT TO DO?

Cover the parts of the body which lose heat (head, neck, hands and feet)

Wear adequate technical clothing

Eat properly and avoid drinking alcohol – it will not warm you up

PREVENTION

HYPOTHERMIA