Hypothermia

Hypothermia classically occurs from exposure to extreme cold.  Hypothermia can occur even at temperatures as high as 65̊ Fahrenheit, but more often occurs in cold wet weather.  It occurs when the body expends more heat than it creates.  Hypothermia occurs when the core temperature of the body drops.  It can be mild (35̊ to 33̊ C or 95̊ to 93.2̊ F), moderate (33̊ to 28̊ C or 89.6̊ to 80.6̊ F), or severe (below 28̊ C or 80.6̊ F).  Mild hypothermia is usually accompanied by shivering, clumsiness, or incoordination. Shivering disappears around 33̊ to 32̊ C.  As body temperature continues to drop, confusion and disorientation occur, followed by coma. A rectal or esophageal temperature is necessary to accurately determine if hypothermia is present. A special mercury thermometer or thermistor probes are essential to obtain an accurate reading.  Hypothermia can occur from exposure to cold outdoors or even extreme cold in the home

Even though hypothermia can happen when children play outdoors in very cold weather, exposure in a parked car is a possibility. Leaving children in cars is very dangerous in cold weather and hypothermia can happen in minutes. Their small body mass makes young children more prone to heat loss and hypothermia than adults.  Children also have less fat, which helps to serve as protective insulation.  Sitting in a small confined space leads to hypothermia faster.  The interior of a car becomes cold quickly and it should be a rule never to leave any living creature alone in a car, regardless of the temperature.