see also Hypothermia in Elderly
Sets in when core body temperature falls below 35°C (95'F); if cooling continues to 25°C (77°F) or below, recovery is unlikely. As temperature dips, the person becomes dreamy, unresponsive, and reluctant to move, hands, feet, and abdomen feel cold to the touch - there may also be cramp, numbness, or paralysis, causing falls and accidents if the person tries to move.
First, check breathing and pulse, and if necessary give cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (see Breathing, Circulation). Do not give cardio-pulmonary resuscitation unless you are absolutely sure there is no heartbeat.
Bring the person into the warm, and give sips of hot, sweet drinks, but no alcohol. Warm the person up gently, by wrapping in blankets and warming the room to avoid overstraining the heart. Do not rub or massage the limbs or encourage the person to do warm-up exercises. DO NOT PUT THEM IN THE BATH unless the casualty is young, otherwise fit and able to get into the bath without help. The water should be warm but not too hot.
Babies and old people are most vulnerable to hypothermia. A hypothermic baby will be unusually limp and drowsy and refuse feeds, although face, hands, and feet may appear normal. The most effective way of rewarming a baby is to hold him or her against your skin in a warm bed or bath. In the elderly, it is sometimes difficult to distinguish hypothermia from a Stroke or Heart Attack. Call your doctor within 2 hours.
Specific remedy to be given every 10 minutes for up to 10 doses
- If hypothermia is accompanied by cramp Cuprum 30c
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