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Basic Thermal Physiology: What Processes Lead to the Temperature Distribution on the Skin Surface
Published in Kurt Ammer, Francis Ring, The Thermal Human Body, 2019
Accidental hypothermia is the condition of a temperature regulator following an accidental or deliberate decrease in core temperature below its range specified for the normal active state of the species. The condition usually occurs in a cold environment and is associated with an acute problem, but without primary pathology of the temperature regulating system [2].
Resuscitation techniques for lifeguards
Published in Mike Tipton, Adam Wooler, The Science of Beach Lifeguarding, 2018
Based on an understanding of the different pathophysiological mechanisms, some of the best-practice advice in drowning has a solid basis in clear logic and common sense. This advice is also used in other domains of emergency medicine and resuscitation, such as in paediatric resuscitation and resuscitation after accidental hypothermia [6,38,39]. Primum non nocere (‘first do no harm’): it makes no sense to immediately ‘jump’ on the chest of each victim that is taken from the water after a hectic rescue. Some will look dead at first sight, but may still have circulation. At the same time, it must be realized that up to 60% of patients who have been resuscitated have been diagnosed post-mortem with rib fractures, sternum fractures and other lethal consequences [40,41].
Health in later life
Published in Liam J. Donaldson, Paul D. Rutter, Donaldsons' Essential Public Health, 2017
Liam J. Donaldson, Paul D. Rutter
The main causes of accidental hypothermia are defective thermoregulatory mechanisms (a consequence of ageing) and exposure to cold through low environmental temperature. Other factors – such as immobility due to general infirmity, mental impairment, strokes, falls, effects of medicines or certain illness (e.g. infections and endocrine disorders) – may be superimposed.
Thermoregulation: From basic neuroscience to clinical neurology, part 2
Published in Temperature, 2019
Zoltán Szelényi, Sámuel Komoly
Three categories of induced hypothermia are dealt with in chapters 33, 37 and 41: accidental hypothermia, anesthesia-induced hypothermia and perioperative hypothermia, respectively. The first of these chapters gives a short overview of the history of human hypothermia that can develop upon severe cold exposure followed by a description of its physiological consequences (deficient organ functions) that ultimately may be incompatible with survival. The authors of this chapter – Peter Paal, Hermann Brugger and Giacomo Strapazzon – also summarize important points regarding hypothermia treatment. The topics of chapters 37 and 41 are somewhat overlapping, with an important difference that the former, by Rainer Lenhardt, gives a detailed description of the effects of drugs used for general vs. neuroaxial anesthesia, while the latter, by Kurt Ruetzler and Andrea Kurz, deals with the combined effects of surgical interventions, including the anesthetic usage. In the latter chapter, the idea is presented that even a 1–3°C fall in body core temperature during surgery can be disadvantageous in terms of the length of recovery and the frequency and severity of postsurgical complications.