Situation in which the core temperature of the body no longer allows vital functions to be carried out correctly. The normal internal body temperature is 36.8-37°C. Thermoregulation is one of the functions that ensures the smooth running of chemical and biological reactions necessary for life (homeostasis). We speak of hypothermia when the core temperature is below 35°C:

<b>37 to 35°C, normothermia</b>,
35 to 34°C, moderate hypothermia,
34 to 32°C, moderate hypothermia,
32 to 25°C, hypothermia serious,
below 25°C, major hypothermia with risk of cardiac arrest

The causes are diverse: prolonged exposure to a cold environment (outside air in winter, prolonged stay in cold water during shipwreck). Hypothermia can be secondary to infection by certain types of germs. It can be caused by hypothyroidism or intoxication with certain substances (alcohol, barbiturates, etc.).

35 to 32°C: chills, vasoconstriction, drop in blood pressure, rapid breathing (tachypnea), rapid pulse (tachycardia),
< 32°C: disturbances of consciousness, diffuse hypertonia, contracted pupils (miosis), slowing of the heart (bradycardia)
< 30°C: coma, dilated pupils (mydriasis), slow breathing (bradypnea), bradycardia, hypotension, “state of apparent death”,
Below 28°C, there is a risk of cardiac arrest by ventricular fibrillation
In the event of prolonged exposure to frost, hypothermia can be associated with frostbite.
The fight against hypothermia is mainly done by passive and progressive warming. It is essential to properly cover the vital organs such as the heart and the brain, that is to say, cover the trunk with a jacket and the head with a hat, i.e. the 2 areas where the organs which contain significant quantities of blood are located.

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Cold Break - Hypothermia

Definition

Nutritherapy

Hygiene

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