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Stages of hypothermia?
This isn't an urgent medical problem, I'm just curious. I understand basically what happens in the stages of hypothermia itself, but what happens when someone is coming out of hypothermia? Provided they are finally receiving proper care, how long does it take for them to warm back up and come out of it? I've read that some of the symptoms are slurred speech, all out confusion, even unconsciousness, but how long does it take for the person to become coherent again once they regain consciousness? Would they be able to think clearly again right away? Also, would they require bed-rest for the rest of the day or will they be able to get up and move around again as soon as they are warm? Do the durations and recovery depend on how bad the hypothermia was to begin with?
Thank you in advance.
1 Answer
- IanLv 57 years agoFavorite Answer
Stage 1 -- body temperature drops by 1-2 degrees celcius (1.8-3.6 degrees Farenheight) below normal body temperature (donwn to 35-37 degrees celcius or 95-98.6 degrees farenheight. Mild to strong shivering occurs. The victim is unable to perform complex tasks with the hands; the hands become numb. Blood vessels in the outer extremities constrict, lessening heat loss to the outside air. Breathing becomes quick and shallow. Goose bumps form, raising body hair on end in an attempt to create an insulating layer of air around the body (which is of limited use in humans due to lack sufficient hair but useful in other species).
Victim may feel sick to their stomach and very tired. Often a person will experience a warm sensation as if they have recovered, but they are in fact, heading into Stage 2.
Another test to see if the person is entering Stage 2 is if they are unable to touch their thumb with their little finger; this is the first stage of muscles not working. They might start to have trouble seeing.
Stage 2 -- Body temperature drops by 2-4 degree celcius (3.8-7.6 degrees farenheight) below normal temperature (33-35 degree celcius or 91-94.8 degree farenheight).
Shivering becomes more violent. Muscle misco-ordination becomes apparent. Movements are slow and laboured, accompanied by a stumbling pace and mild confusion although the victim may appear alert. Surface blood vessels contract further as the body focuses its remaining resources on keeping the vital organs warm. The victim becomes pale. Lips, ears, fingers and toes may become blue.
Stage 3 -- Body temperature drops below approximately 32 degrees celcius (89.6 degrees farenheight). Shivering usually stops. Difficulty speaking, sluggish thinking and amnesia start to appear; inability to use hands and stumbling is also present. Cellular metabolic processes shut down. Below 30 degrees celcius (86 degrees farenheight), the exposed skin becomes blue and puffy, muscle co-ordination becomes very poor, walking becomes impossible and the victim exhibits incoherent/irrational behaviour including terminal burrowing or even a stupor.
Pulse and respiration rates decrease significantly, but fast heart rates can occur.
