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Div. of Media Relations
1600 Clifton Road
MS D-14
Atlanta, GA 30333
(404) 639-3286
Fax (404) 639-7394 |
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Fact Sheet
February 24, 2005 |
Contact: NCEH/ATSDR
Media Relations 404-498-0070 |
Study: Hypothermia-Related Deaths—
United States, 2003-2004
CDC Report States Hypothermia-Related Deaths are
Preventable
Hypothermia, the lowering of the body’s core temperature to less than 95°
F, causes nearly 700 deaths in the United States each year. Typically caused
by prolonged exposure to cold temperature, hypothermia can be prevented by
recognizing the risk factors and signs of this medical emergency, according
to a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report.
The report, Hypothermia-Related Deaths—United States, 2003-2004
recommends a number of public health strategies to reduce
hypothermia-related deaths. These strategies include identifying persons at
greatest risk, ensuring resources are available to minimize exposure to cold
and ongoing communication with high-risk persons about how to protect
themselves – during cold periods, relatives, neighbors and caretakers of
high-risk persons should check frequently on their condition and familiarize
themselves with the symptoms of hypothermia. In addition, the report
recommends educating public safety personnel and hospital staff to better
recognize hypothermia signs and symptoms and to become familiar with initial
treatments.
Common risk factors for hypothermia are advanced age, substance abuse and
altered mental impairment.
Warning symptoms for hypothermia
- lethargy
- weakness and loss of coordination
- confusion
- uncontrollable shivering
- reduced respiratory or heart rate.
Among infants, warning signs also include bright red skin and low energy.
In cases of severe hypothermia (core body temperature is less than 82.5° F),
the victim loses consciousness and their pulse may not be apparent.
How to treat hypothermia
If you notice any symptoms of hypothermia, take the person’s
temperature. If it is below 95° F, the situation is an emergency—get medical
attention immediately. If medical care is not available, begin warming the
person, as follows:
- Get the victim into a warm room or shelter.
- If the victim has on any wet clothing, remove it.
- Warm the center of the body first—chest, neck, head, and groin—using
an electric blanket, if available. Or use skin-to-skin contact under
loose, dry layers of blankets, clothing, towels, or sheets.
- Warm beverages can help increase the body temperature, but do not give
alcoholic beverages. Do not try to give beverages to an unconscious
person.
- After body temperature has increased, keep the person dry and wrapped
in a warm blanket, including the head and neck.
- Get medical attention as soon as possible.
- A person with severe hypothermia may be unconscious and may not seem
to have a pulse or to be breathing. In this case, handle the victim
gently, and get emergency assistance immediately. Even if the victim
appears dead, CPR should be provided. CPR should continue while the victim
is being warmed, until the victim responds or medical aid becomes
available. In some cases, hypothermia victims who appear to be dead can be
successfully resuscitated.
The study appears in the Feb. 25 Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
For more information about extreme cold, please visit
www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/winter/guide.asp
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