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            Hypothermia is a condition that can occur anytime of year, not just in winter as some might think. It can develop whenever heat loss exceeds heat gain. Wind, rain, hail, snow and immersion is cold water can all contribute. Hypothermia will occur when the body temperature drops to 95 degrees F or lower. Should the body temperature drop as low as 80 degrees F, death is probable.

            Common conditions that could lead to hypothermia are:

            * Cold conditions - wind chill factor can worsen conditions

* Incorrect clothing and equipment - while in mountain regions it is a good practice  to avoid cotton fabrics. When they get wet it takes a long time to dry. Remember  ìcotton killsî.

* Wetness - storms can happen very quickly in the mountains, even in the  summer months.

            * Fatigue, exhaustion

            * Dehydration

            * Poor food intake - this is the bodyís fuel

* Alcohol intake - increases blood flow to the surface skin which increases heat  loss when ambient temperature is less than body temperature.

* Full bladder - believe it or not the body tries to keep this excess liquid at normal  body temperature which decreases optimum energy for other important areas.

Mild Hypothermia

Core Temperature of 98.6 - 96 degrees

            The early symptoms of hypothermia are difficult to recognize and may go unnoticed.  First, the individual will not feel well and you my assume that it is just fatigue. As the their condition worsens, shivering that is not under voluntary control occurs. They will exhibit minor impairments of muscular performance, such as stiff, clumsy fingers. The person will be mobile and be able to talk, but unable to perform complex motor functions (i.e. climbing or skiing). Mental deterioration occurs as well. Responses are slow and/or improper, such as not wearing the proper clothing for the cold temperature.

Moderate Hypothermia

Core Temperature of 95 - 93 degrees

            As the body temperature drops, muscular coordination continues to deteriorate. The sufferer will move slowly, lack energy, become apathetic and lethargic. Stumbling, falling and the inability to use their hands will also occur as their body temperature decreases. Their shivering will become more violent as well. They will talk less and they will complain more and become uncooperative. A state of dazed consciousness will occur. The individual will make inappropriate responses to questions, their speech will be slurred and they may exhibit confusion about place or time. They may display inappropriate behavior, become forgetful and cantankerous.

Severe Hypothermia

Core Temperature of 92 - 86 degrees

            When the temperature of the body drops below 90 degrees shivering occurs in violent waves, then pauses. The pauses get longer until shivering finally stops and the body starts to shut down. The person will not be able to move and muscle rigidity develops. The will be obvious sign of mental deterioration, including incoherence, disorientation and irrationality. Exposed skin feels very cold and looks pale, may even appear bluish. The person might become unconscious and exhibit dilated pupils. The pulse rate will decrease and may even become undetectable. Breathing may appear to have stopped or the may even look dead, but they are still alive.

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