Two Types of Hypothermia

Based in Bakersfield, John “Joe” Fosbinder is an emergency physician experienced in ultrasound. Also an avid mountaineer, John J. Fosbinder is qualified in wilderness and altitude medicine, and has knowledge of cold-related issues such as hypothermia.

There are two basic types of hypothermia, which involves the body’s core temperature falling under 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Exposure hypothermia is a gradual occurrence and takes place a number of hours after continued exposure to moderately cold temperatures. As energy reserves are depleted, a person loses the power to shiver and rewarm themselves.

By contrast, immersion hypothermia involves sudden immersion in snow or cold water, which overwhelms the body’s ability to produce heat. This type of hypothermia is rare in non-coastal areas, but can occur if falling into an icy stream.

With exposure hypothermia, one factor that can amplify risk is a combination of wind and rain. The wind chill effect quickly decreases the body’s temperature, which makes hypothermia possible even on days with moderate temperatures. Another factor to be aware of is moisture because the body loses heat 20 times more rapidly when it’s wet. This makes it imperative to wear a waterproof outer shell that protects the other layers of clothing.