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Hypothermia
Hypothermia symptoms and signs are difficult to recognize because the victim initially behaves as if under the influence of alcohol or drugs: irrational behavior, confusion, loss of coordination and slurred speech are some of the signs.
When hypothermia progresses, the victim becomes unconscious and may not show any obvious heartbeat or pulse. Breathing is very faint. Despite appearing almost dead, most people survive with appropriate treatment. Permanent damage is likely, though, if the core temperature drops below 26.5°C. Hypothermia is a medical emergency, and is as common in summer as it is in winter.
Healthy people are actually more at risk from accidental hypothermia. Exposure to the elements during outdoor activities, such as work, commuting or travel, poses a risk. Cold water particularly drains body heat quickly – the unlucky passengers of the Titanic, immersed in icy water, probably lost consciousness within 15 minutes. Even relatively mild water of 20°C will drain body heat within a few hours and unconsciousness will set in. Wet clothing has the same effect, although it will take longer.
Hypothermia is defined as a drop in body temperature to a level that impairs normal
body functions, and three stages are recognized. Mild hypothermia occurs at a core
temperature above 35°C, severe when it drops below 32°C, with moderate hypothermia
in-
The term afterdrop is sometimes mentioned in connection with hypothermia. It occurs during rewarming of the body when the blood vessels in the periphery expand, allowing blood from the warmer core to mix with the still cooler blood of the outer layers. The cool mixture then circulates back to the body’s center and causes another temperature drop.
“Hypothermia is a condition in which an organism's temperature drops below that required for normal metabolism and bodily functions.” (Wikipedia)
A drop in body temperature affects your ability to think clearly and, as for hibernating animals, slows your body functions. This makes hypothermia particular dangerous, especially if the effect is combined with alcohol or other drug intoxication. Many revelers quite happily lie down in the snow for a snooze and never wake up again.
If you fall into a fire, you are made aware of the change in temperature very quickly. Hypothermia, on the other hand, can sneak up on you. As an elderly and very young you can die in your sleep in cold bedrooms: the latter’s sense of cold hasn’t yet developed and the former has lost theirs. The cause of death is often attributed to various different reasons because underlying health problems and/or drug effects can mask the real culprit.