Severe hypothermia is defined as a body temperature of?

Severe hypothermia is recognized when the body temperature drops to 86°F or below. At this temperature, physiological functions are significantly impaired. Normal body temperature averages around 98.6°F, and a marked drop below this threshold indicates a critical state where the body begins to lose its ability to generate heat effectively. This can result in severe complications, including confusion, diminished motor skills, and life-threatening cardiac issues.

The significance of identifying this threshold at 86°F aligns with the understanding that below this temperature, the risk of complications increases dramatically, such as arrhythmias and failure of the body's thermoregulatory responses. Therefore, recognizing temperatures at or below this critical point is essential for prompt and effective treatment in hypothermic patients. This understanding is crucial for first responders and medical professionals when assessing and managing cases of suspected severe hypothermia.