PCL 1 - Prognosis of Hypothermia

- Chances for recovery depend on
o How long a person was exposed to the cold
o His/her general health
o Individual physiological responses to cold

- If body temperature has not dropped below 32.2° C, there is a good chance for total recovery
- If body temperature has fallen between 26.6° C and 32.2° C, most people would recover but likely to have some lasting damage
- If body temperature falls below 26.6° C, most victims would not survive

o 17% of people with hypothermia have died in the United States
o Hypothermia prognosis depends on the likelyhood of complications which include loss of consciousness, coma or death