Definition
Hypothermia is a condition in which the core body temperature falls below 35°C (95°F) due to excessive loss of body heat.
Clinical Features (by severity)
Mild Hypothermia
- Shivering
- Tachycardia
- Impaired judgment
- Slurred speech
Moderate Hypothermia
- Muscular rigidity
- Confusion
- Drowsiness
- Ataxia
Severe Hypothermia
- Loss of reflexes
- Unconsciousness
- Bradycardia
- Respiratory depression
- Death
External Postmortem Findings
General
- Pink or rosy postmortem lividity
- Frost erythema (pink discoloration over joints)
- Cutis anserina (goose skin)
- Body cold to touch