Hypothermia

Hypothermia is a dangerous condition that occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce heat, causing a dangerously low body temperature. Normal human body temperature is around 98.6°F (37°C). hypothermia occurs when your body temperature falls below 95°F (35°C). It can be induced by prolonged exposure to cold environments, such as cold water, ice, and freezing temperatures. The longer you are exposed, the more dangerous the condition becomes. It can also occur in warm environments such as indoors, but usually in situations of the individual not being adequately clothed. Severe hypothermia is a medical emergency, and without treatment, it can lead to heart failure, permanent brain damage, and eventually, death.

Hypothermia meaning with examples

• The hiker, lost in the blizzard, was exhibiting signs of hypothermia; his shivering was uncontrollable, and he was struggling to maintain consciousness. Search and rescue teams worked urgently to bring him to safety before his body temperature dropped further, as this could lead to organ failure. He had been exposed to the cold mountain environment for several hours without proper gear and was quickly deteriorating.
• After falling through the ice, the swimmer was rushed to the hospital, where medical professionals diagnosed and treated him for hypothermia. The cold water had rapidly drawn heat away from his body, and he started to experience confusion and muscle rigidity. He was wrapped in warm blankets and given warm fluids to combat the chilling effect of hypothermia. He was very lucky to survive.
• The elderly woman, living alone in her unheated apartment during the winter, developed hypothermia due to the extremely cold temperatures. The lack of adequate heating combined with her decreased ability to regulate body temperature put her at high risk. Her neighbours noticed she was disoriented and brought her to the hospital for treatment, where she was given a warm blanket and treated for the onset of hypothermia.
• During the Arctic expedition, several members of the team experienced mild hypothermia despite wearing cold-weather gear. The prolonged exposure to sub-zero temperatures, even with protective clothing, took its toll. Early symptoms included extreme shivering, and a lack of cognitive abilities, as these symptoms worsened they were rushed to a warmed tent to be warmed and treated for the effects of the condition.