Emergency Care

Treating hypothermia with expertise and urgency

Hypothermia is a life-threatening condition that refers to a body temperature that’s below 95 degrees Fahrenheit. This happens when your body loses heat faster than it’s being produced. You don’t have to be in an extreme weather condition to experience hypothermia. Sweating in a cold environment or being exposed to windchill are both possible causes.

Someone who experiences hypothermia needs expert care to restore their body temperature and prevent serious complications, such as organ failure. If you or someone with you experiences hypothermia in Goshen, IN, visit Goshen Hospital Emergency Department on 200 High Park Ave. For symptoms or signs of a life-threatening condition, call 911 or visit the emergency room nearest to you.

Symptoms of hypothermia

Hypothermia happens gradually and presents different symptoms as the condition progresses. Signs and symptoms that your body temperature is too low are:

  • Shivering
  • Drowsiness
  • Exhaustion
  • Confusion
  • Slurred speech
  • Memory loss
  • Feeling warm – a symptom of severe hypothermia
  • Loss of consciousness

Our approach to hypothermia treatment at Goshen Hospital Emergency Department

Hypothermia is serious, so we work hard to restore your body temperature. Our skilled emergency room team is experienced in treating hypothermia and preventing complications of the condition.

You can help treat hypothermia until medical help arrives. Follow these first aid tips for hypothermia:

  • Get the person inside or to a warm shelter.
  • Remove wet clothing.
  • Cover the victim with a blanket – an electric blanket is ideal – or whatever is available, even skin-to-skin contact with a warm body.
  • Examine the victim for other injuries and deliver appropriate first aid.
  • Give conscious people warm liquids that do not contain alcohol or caffeine.

We’re dedicated to the health and safety of our communities. Visit Goshen Hospital Emergency Department for hypothermia treatment and when you need to visit the ER.

For all of Elkhart County, Goshen Hospital Emergency Department offers compassionate care for hypothermia in Goshen, IN.