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The Hype on Hypothermia

Hypothermia, or abnormally low body temperature, occurs any time your body loses more heat than it generates. Heat loss can be caused by air or by water. Water conducts heat away from the body 25 times faster than the air. If you get wet, the air temperature doesn't have to be low to send your body temperature plummeting. Even mild, 60-degree days can pose a danger if you fall in the water, or get drenched from rain or sweat. That means anyone who doesn't dress warmly enough or gets overheated then chilled while outside risks developing hypothermia.

Can you separate the cold facts from the incorrect answers in the questions below?

1. Adults and infants show the same symptoms of hypothermia.

True
False

2. Hypothermia becomes critical when the body’s core temperature rises above 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit.

True
False

3. Alcoholic substances should never be given to someone suffering from hypothermia.

True
False

4. Infants and elderly people are most susceptible to hypothermia.

True
False

5. Frostbite most often affects the extremities.

True
False

6. Avoid wearing layers when spending time in the cold because your body will overheat.

True
False

7. Treat frostbitten extremities by immersing the affected area in warm (not hot) water.

True
False


That's it!

Simply click the button to get your results.

For more information about responding to cold-related emergencies, and to learn other first aid techniques, enroll in a health and safety course at your local American Red Cross chapter.


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