Hypothermia & Heatstroke

Hypothermia & Heatstroke

1. What is Hypothermia?

   • When the core body temperature falls below 35 degrees centigrade

2. What happens?

   • Early Stages
     • In the early stages they shiver and become very pale as well as cold to touch
     • May also become very tired with slurred speech
   • Severe
     • When more severe they are unable to move and are very confused and unable to pay attention
     • When it becomes very severe they would go unconscious and barely breath
     • Can lead to death

3. CAUSES

   • Exposure to cold weather
   • Not dressing correctly
   • Old and young people are at greater risk

4. What is heatstroke?

   • when the body's temperature rises too high as a result of excessive heat exposure. The body loses its ability to cool itself and overheats.

5. What happens?

   • Early stages
     • In early stages sweating and the skin becomes very hot
     • Nausea, headaches and confusion can occur
   • Severe
     • Stop sweating and the skin goes red and puffy
     • Can go unconscious and stop breathing
     • Can lead to death
     • Blurred vision

6. CAUSES

   • Old and young people are more at risk
   • Exposure to extreme heats for long periods of time
   • Leaving a child or pet in a car during hot temperatures