Hypothermia. An Educational Manual for Instruction of the Fleet Duty Corpsman Accompanying Personnel Performing Operations in Cold Water or Cold Weather

Abstract : Hypothermia connotes the abnormal lowering of body core temperature (the internal temperature of the body; that of the core organs) the effects of which are in a gradient from only a mild decrease in motor and cognitive functions to the severe reactions of cardiac and respiratory failure. Hypothermia becomes important to the corpsman who will accompany personnel into the thermally-stressful environments of cold weather and cold water. This presentation is designed to provide the corpsman with a basic understanding of the body's normal thermoregulatory mechanisms, their methods of adaptation to cold stress and the clinical syndrome which results. Knowledge of the basic pathophysiology will allow the corpsman to interpret the subtle objective indicators of hypothermia and to recognize the vague subjective indicators as voiced by the victim. This background will facilitate prompt treatment and relief of a potentially dangerous malady.