Hypothermia

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, visit Goshen Hospital Emergency Department.

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.