accidental hypothermia

hypothermia /hy·po·ther·mia/ (hi″po-ther´me-ah)

1. low body temperature, such as from cold weather, or from artificial induction to decrease metabolism and need for oxygen during surgical procedures.

2. a reduction of core body temperature to 32°C (95°F) or lower, as that due to exposure in cold weather or that induced as a means of decreasing metabolism of tissues and thereby the need for oxygen, as used in various surgical procedures.hypother´malhypother´mic

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accidental hypothermia  unintentional reduction of the core body temperature, as in a cold environment.

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ac·ci·den·tal hypothermia (ks-dntl)

n.

Unintentional decrease in body temperature from exposure to a cold environment.

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accidental hypothermia

Emergency medicine '…an unintentional decline in the core (body) temperature below 35ºC,' a temperature at which thermoregulatory systems begin to fail, as compensatory responses intended to reduce heat loss through conduction, convection, evaporation, radiation, and respiration are limited Etiology Alcoholism, drug addiction, mental illness, cold water immersion, winter sports/occupations Classification Mild, body temperature 32.2–35ºC; moderate, 28–32.2ºC; severe, < 28ºC Clinical Disorientation, aphasia, amnesia, prolonged coma Management Rewarming–passive if mild; active rewarming if moderate or severe. See Rewarming.