9.3
Effects of Heat & Cold Hypothermia
Hypothermia happens when the core body temperature drops below 35oC (95oF) this can happen very quickly and is classed as a medical emergency as it can be life threatening.
Hypothermia is caused when a child is exposed to cold conditions and loses more heat than they can generate. Exposure can be over a period of time (being outside without adequate clothing or their skin being exposed to the cold) or quickly (falling into cold water). Babies are at particular risk as they cannot regulate their own heat.
Recognition - The first sign of somebody becoming cold is when they start to shiver; as the child gets colder and hypothermia becomes worse the shivering becomes uncontrollable - Cold, pale skin - Tiredness, low energy, progressively becoming worse leading to lack of co-ordination, drowsiness, unconsciousness and death
Treatment - If possible, remove the child suffering from Hypothermia out of the cold and into a warm environment (never place in a warm bath or directly in front of a fire)
- Remove any wet clothing and replace with warm, dry clothes - Gently warm the child with coats, blankets, towels, paying particular attention to protecting their head and keeping it covered - Give warm drinks and high energy foods (never give alcohol) - If in doubt call 999/112 for an ambulance, be prepared to resuscitate
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