Environmental Emergencies and Hypothermia

The human body maintains a relatively constant internal temperature, by regulating itself through metabolizing food and adjusting the amount of heat lost to the environment. However, human cells operate efficiently within a narrow temperature range. If our core body temperature rises 2 degrees above the normal of 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit, we become ill. If it rises 7 degrees, we become critically ill. If our temperature decreases 2 degrees we feel cold. A 7 degree decrease puts life in jeopardy.

Living in a northern climate (and next to a large body of water) puts us all at a greater risk of environmental emergencies such as hypothermia. The Marquette Fire Department would like to offer some information on hypothermia, and other environmental emergencies, in order to raise awareness for citizens that are new to our area, as well as "seasoned yoopers".

Humans are better designed and suited to tropical environments where temperature and humidity remain at more of a constant. We are able to function in extreme climates (hot and cold) only because of our ability to aid our body's heating and cooling processes through technology.

Although hypothermia is generally associated with the season of winter, the most cases occur during spring, summer and fall. Hypothermia is the lowering of the body's core temperature caused by over exposure to cool or cold air or water. A person does not need to be subjected to near zero air temperatures or icy waters to be overcome by hypothermia.

The following chart indicates the physical symptoms of hypothermia as well as the approximate body core temperatures at which they occur. Also noted is the victims level of consciousness, cardio-respiratory response (heart and breathing) and the degree of hypothermia.

Degree of Hypothermia	Signs and Symptoms	Cardio-respiratory Response	Level of Consciousness
95 F – Mild	Shivering Foot Stomping	Normal	Withdrawn
90 F – Mild	Loss of Coordination	Normal to Impaired	Confused
85 F – Moderate	Lethargy	Slow Pulse	Sleepy
80 F – Severe	Coma	Weak Pulse Slow Respirations	Irrational if conscious
78 F – Severe	Apparent Death	V-Fib/Cardiac Arrest	Unconscious

Hypothermic victims have been saved with core body temperatures as low as 75 degrees Fahrenheit. The best chances for recovery are from early diagnosis and treatment. Many times the cold will cause systemic reactions within the body that can help save the victim.

Frostbite and frostnip should not be confused with hypothermia although they may accompany it. Frostbite and frostnip are localized "cooling" of tissue. Most common areas affected by frostbite are nose, ears, and any skin that is unprotected from the elements: cold air, wind, water.

Frostnip can be characterized by red, itchy, tingly skin. Quite often frostnip skin looks "wind burned". This is a minor problem but if untreated or conditions worsen, frostbite can occur.

Frostbite occurs when living tissue and cellular fluids freeze. At this stage, differing levels of cellular damage occurs to the extent of loss of tissue. Skin can turn from blue, to gray, to black. In extreme cases of frostbite, tissue needs to be amputated.

Whether a person has hypothermia or frostbite, they need to be treated gently and with great care so that no further damage occurs. If you suspect that someone is in danger of hypothermia or frostbite, initiate an emergency response-call 911.

Do not rub frozen body parts, and do not move an unconscious "cold" person. If you can move the person to a protected, warmer place, do so until medical help arrives. If the person has been submerged, remove wet clothing and replace with dry warm clothes.

By dressing appropriately for weather conditions, (layering is recommended) as well as being prepared for changing conditions, you can lessen the likelihood of experiencing an environmental cold emergency. Look for upcoming information on heat related environmental emergencies in the spring/summer.

Have a safe, enjoyable winter!