Premergency First Aid, CPR and AED Manual

9 Other Emergencies

3. Add or remove layers of insulation (clothing ) – Certain fabrics and dry, still warm air do not conduct heat from the body. Adding layers of clothing that trap air provides good insulation. Conversely, protective layers traps perspiration and prevent evaporation. Sweating without evaporation does not cool the body. Loosen clothing, especially around the head and neck, to promote cooling.

Hypothermia The body’s core includes the heart, lungs, and vital organs. The core can tolerate a drop in temperature of only a few degrees before its ability to generate heat is lost. Once the core temperature falls below 35°C, progressive loss of body heat begins.

Hypothermia

<35.0 C

The body normally protects itself from heat loss by constricting (making smaller) blood vessels close to the skin. This results in the characteristic ‘bluish’ colour to lips and fingertips. The body also may try to generate heat by shivering. This rapid muscle movement creates some heat, similar to exercise. If cold exposure continues, these mechanisms begin to be overwhelmed. Body functions slow down. Eventually the heart and other organs will slow, and left untreated, death can occur.

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