A condition of excessive cooling of body. It is found in elderly & young people where there is inadequate heating & clothing, particularly during winter months.
DIAGNOSIS: Patient is cold & may be in semi - {coma}, thought processes & speech are slow, evidence of inadequate heating (e.g. ice inside windows), {pulse} is slow.
TREATMENT: Wrap in blankets to promote warming, give warm drinks if conscious. If recovery is slow, transfer to hospital, do not heat up rapidly as this may cause collapse & {shock}.
