Abstract
Hypothermia is defined as a central or core body temperature of < or =95 F (< or =35 C) and is a medical emergency. Persons with hypothermia are at high risk for death. Although hypothermia-related deaths are common during winter months in states characterized by cold winters (e.g., Alaska and North Dakota) and with mountainous or desert terrain (e.g., Arizona and New Mexico), hypothermia and associated deaths also occur in states with milder climates. For example, during November 1996-April 1997, the Chief Medical Examiner's Office in Virginia identified 20 deaths caused by hypothermia; of these, 11 (55%) were among men and decedents ranged in age from 22 to 86 years (mean: 63 years). This report describes selected cases of hypothermia-related deaths in Virginia during November 1996-April 1997 and summarizes hypothermia-related deaths in the United States during 1979-1994.
Highlights
C) and is a medical emergency.[1]
Hypothermia-related deaths are common during winter months in states characterized by cold winters (e.g., Alaska and North Dakota) and with mountainous or desert terrain (e.g., Arizona and New Mexico), hypothermia and associated deaths occur in states with milder climates
During November 1996-April 1997, the Chief Medical Examiner’s Office in Virginia identified 20 deaths caused by hypothermia; of these, 11 (55%) were among men and decedents ranged in age from 22 to 86 years
Summary
C) and is a medical emergency.[1]. Persons with hypothermia are at high risk for death.[2]. In settings of cold exposure, the risk for developing hypothermia is greatest among the elderly, persons who are homeless or mentally ill, outdoor workers, trauma victims, and persons with serious medical conditions (e.g., cardiovascular disease, adrenal disease, and hypothyroidism).[1,2] Other risk factors include excessive alcohol use, exhaustion, poor nutrition, inadequate housing, and drug use (e.g., sedatives, anxiolytics, phenothiazines, and tricyclic antidepressants).[1,2,3] Hypothermia can occur when even moderately low ambient temperatures (e.g., as high as 60 F [15.5 C]) overcome a person’s ability to conserve heat.[2].
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