hypothermia: what to know and how to avoid
with a cold snap on the way, some british columbians may be experiencing the frigid cold for the very first time. here's what to know about hypothermia.
3 minute read
with a cold snap on the way, some british columbians may be experiencing the frigid cold for the very first time.
nick procaylo
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for some, cold weather is just another fact of life. but if you’ve never encountered a cold snap, you might be wondering what to expect. here’s a few things to know about hypothermia:
what is hypothermia?
hypothermia is not just when you get too cold; it’s when the body is exposed to cold conditions, becomes cold and loses heat faster than it can generate it. essentially, your body can’t keep you warm enough to withstand the cold. what surprises many people is that hypothermia can happen even before temperatures drop below freezing.
hypothermia can be fatal, as it causes your heart, nervous system and other organs to slow down and eventually fail, leading to death.
how cold does it have to be to get hypothermia?
hypothermia happens when your body temperature drops below normal. for most people, a normal body temperature is about 37 c.
your body temperature can begin dropping below normal when exposed to temperatures of just 10 c if it’s wet or windy. now, if you’re submerged in water, your body temperature can still drop, even if the water is between 15 to 21 c, putting you at risk for hypothermia.
even when you’re indoors, hypothermia can still be a risk, particularly in babies or older and ill adults who aren’t dressed warmly enough.
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which is why even though vancouver generally has mild weather, the moisture in the air and the frequent rain can create conditions where hypothermia is a risk.
walkers enjoy the first snowfall of the new year at burnaby mountain park in burnaby, b.c., on jan. 8, 2024.
nick procaylo
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how do i know i’m at risk of or experiencing hypothermia?
hypothermia can happen to anyone, but young children and older adults can be at higher risk as their bodies don’t regulate temperature as easily. those with prior medical conditions may also be susceptible, as are those who spend more time outdoors such as workers, the unhoused or those not dressed appropriately for the cold.
hypothermia can set in quickly but there are early symptoms that will tip you off, before more serious symptoms kick in.
in the initial stage, visible symptoms of hypothermia include shivering and pale or blue-grey skin that feels cool to the touch. a person experiencing early stages of hypothermia will also show a lack of interest, poor judgment and may have trouble balancing or walking and seem unsteady. speech could be slurred and their hands and fingers will struggle with tasks.
in the later stage, the trunk of the body will be cold to the touch, muscles will stiffen and their pulse slows down. breathing becomes more shallow and the person may feel weak or sleepy. confusion and loss of consciousness is also common, and the body will continue to shiver though it may stop once the body’s temperature falls below 32 c.
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how is hypothermia treated?
treatment for hypothermia very much depends on how severe it is and how quickly it’s being treated. someone suffering from hypothermia may experience their body temperature to drop quickly before it’s noticed by anyone else.
a healthy adult who begins to experience early signs of hypothermia but who isn’t seeing other signs of illness may be able to recover quickly once warmed up, and may not need further treatment. mild hypothermia can be managed by warming up the person indoors with blankets and heaters.
more serious cases of hypothermia will need to be treated in hospital, where there are different ways to warm up a person’s core temperature.
how can i prevent hypothermia?
if you plan to spend extended time outdoors in cold weather, be sure to dress warmly and cover your extremities.
toques, gloves or mitts, thick socks will help to prevent heat loss. several layers will also help if you don’t have a thick enough jacket. if your clothing becomes wet, try to change into dry clothing as soon as possible. if you start to feel some of the early symptoms of hypothermia, be sure to get inside immediately to warm up.
source: for more information on hypothermia and cold weather exposure visit healthlink bc.
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