|
Hypothermia
Exposure to Cold
Hypothermia is a condition that comes about when the body's heat regulating mechanism
can't cope with the conditions it's working in. The metabolism gets slower, the body
temperature drops and the sufferer becomes drowsy, confused and moves unsteadily. You
don't have to feel shivery in order to have hypothermia. It's dangerous, and a doctor and
cardiac ambulance should always be called if it's suspected. NEVER ASSUME THAT A
HYPOTHERMIA CASUALTY IS DEAD EVEN IF BREATHING AND HEARTBEAT APPEAR ABSENT.
Treatment:
- If breathing and heartbeat have stopped,
begin the A-B-C of resuscitation.
- If casualty is breathing but unconscious, place in the recovery
position.
- Warm the patient gradually. Heat the
room as well as the casualty.
- Place warm material around the victim,
covering body, neck and head but not the face.
- Remove from cold environment to hospital
if necessary.
- Conscious casualties should be given hot,
sweet drinks, NOT ALCOHOL.
- Need more information on Hypothermia?
Select this link.
Infants:
Hypothermia in new-borns and infants.
Because new-borns have very little body fat for insulation and cannot yet shiver, they are
more venerable to the affects of cold. Therefore, you should keep them warm.
In a new-born baby:
- Dab dry with a clean towel, do not wash
the baby.
- Wrap the baby in dry warm blanket or
towel. Cover all the baby, except the face.
- Use a baby cap on the baby's head (most
heat is lost through the baby's head) If no baby cap is available, use a clean dry sock.
Do not cover the baby's face.
- Lay the baby on the Mother's chest, the
mothers own body heat will help.
|
