Hypothermia Information



                          PHYSICAL SYMPTOMS OF HYPOTHERMIA
                                By Smokey Sturtevant

         The following is a chart to indicate the physical symptoms of hypo-
     thermia.  It is provided to assist in showing the various stages of
     hypothermia that are readily apparent. It has no copyright and is to
     be used and distributed as you see fit. I hope that it will help in
     the recognition and prevention and treatment of hypothermia.
                                             Smokey Sturtevant 75565,64
          
     The chart is broken down into approximate body temperature and the
     symptoms that develop at those temps.  The temps are in degrees f.  If
     you have any questions regarding hypothermia, please leave me a mes-
     sage or e-mail note.  s.s.(on Compuserve)
     ****************************************                                        

 TemperatureSymptoms
 98.6-95.0Intense shivering, ability to perform complex tasks
                    is impaired, fatigue, poor coordination, immobile and
                    fumbling hands.
     
 95.0-91.4Violent shivering, difficulty speaking, 
	    	sluggish in
                    thinking, amnesia starts to appear, starts to lose
                    contact with environment, stumbling gait, feeling of
                    deep cold and numbness.
     
     91.4-87.8Shivering decreases, in it's place is muscle rigidity,
                    erratic movement, thinking is not clear, victim can't
                    still stand, hallucinations, loses contact with the
                    surroundings.
     
     87.8-85.2Rigid muscles, no shivering, very irrational, starts
                    into a stupor, pulse and respiration slow, pupils
                    start to dilate, skin is turning bluish, drowsiness.
     
     85.2-78.8
      		Does not respond to words that are spoken, pulse is
                    very erratic, reflexes do not function, victim will
                    be only semi-conscious, heart starts atrial fib.


     BELOW 78.8
		Heart and respiratory failure, ventricular fib,
                    probable brain and lung hemorrhage, apparent death.



     
     Victims have been saved with core temps as low as 75.0f. The best
     chances of recovery are from early diagnosis and treatment. Even
     though there may not be a pulse or breathing, the victim can be saved. 
     Many times the cold will cause a reaction in the nervous system that
     can help the victim. The most important thing to remember is that it
     won't go away!!! The problem must be treated and treated quickly. 
     This goes for others as well as for yourself. You should always be
     aware of what is happening to you as well as your partners. Be pre-
     pared to treat it before you cannot help yourself.
     
     I hope that this proves useful.  s.s.


