*** Hypothermia Temperature & Subject Symptoms ***

Date: Sun, 18 May 1997 17:37:32 PDT
From: "David White" <sarspec@hotmail.com>
To: hpatz@gonzo.cc.wwu.edu, sar-l@islandnet.com
Subject: Re: Hypothermia Record

>Bellingham Mountain Rescue was recently involved in the rescue of a 17
>yr. old male whose core temp. was extremely low. His temp. was 86F when
>he was placed in the Medic unit for transport to the ER. Defib x 3 and
>arrived he in the ER with a rectal core temp. of 80F. This is a classic
>example of afterdrop from external warming techniques (approx 60 minutes
>transport time). He lived and is doing OK. 
>
>My question to all of you: Does anybody know of a patient that survived
>at an equal or lower temperature?
>
>Harry Patz
>Operations Leader
>Bellingham Mountain Rescue


Harry,

Here is the listing of our hypothermia categories within the OFA 3
protocols.  All temp's are listed in degree celsius, but the conversions
should be easy enough for you to get ahold of.

Your 80- degrees F = about our 26.5 C.

Here goes:

37C and 36C ... no comment.


MILD HYPOTHERMIA CATEGORY STARTS HERE

35C  Hypothermia occurs with a temp below this point.

34C Shivering is present to maximize heat5t production.

33C Vasoconstriction of the peripheral arteries (decreased pulse) in an
attempt to minimize further heat loss and to protect the core.

MODERATE HYPOTHERMIA CATEGORY STARTS HERE

32C Confusion, DLOC (Decreased Level Of Consciousness), Inappropriate
behavior.

31C Progressive DLOC.  Shivering is inhibited.

30C Heart rate slows, irregularities in the heart beat may be detected. 
Respiratory rate falls.

29C The pulse may become difficult to palpate. High risk of developing
cardiac arrest, especially with rough handling. Pupils are dilated.

SEVERE HYPOTHERMIA STARTS HERE

28C  Coma may develop, increased muscular rigidity. Slow heart rate.
Pupils may be dilated and poorly reactive. Further decrease in respiratory
rate.

27C Patient may appear to be in cardiac arrest with absent pulses and no
respirations. There may be no response to painful stimuli. (One of the
main reasons our protocols call for a 1 min. pulse check on a hypothermic
patient and an a/r rate of 1:5 vs. our standard 1:3)

26C Victims are usually comatose, cardiac arrest may develop spontaneously.

24C Frothy sputum may become apparent. This represents fluid congestion in
the lungs.

22C Maximum risk of cardiac arrest.

20C Heart activity usually ceases.

16C (or about 60.25F)  Lowest accidental hypothermia survivor.

9C  (or about 58.75F) Lowest induced hypothermia survivor.

Hope that helps you.

With regards,

David White

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