As long as hypothermia remains a poorly recognized hazard, it will continue to claim more lives than necessary. The normal functioning of the human body maintains an almost constant temperature. When excessive heat loss occurs for which the body can no longer compensate, then the temperature decreases to an abnormal extent and hypothermia exists. The risk of hypothermia is therefore present in the Great Lakes throughout the year. Therefore, assume that anyone pulled from the cold waters of the Great Lakes is hypothermic-regardless of the time of year.
Judgment is impaired.
There may be confusion and impaired coordination. There may be hallucinations. The victim becomes more lethargic and sleepy and loses interest in survival. As the body core temperature decreases further, respirations decrease, the pulse weakens, and the victim becomes progressively more confused and lethargic until comatose. We should be aware that in severe hypothermia, all vital signs of life may be absent, the eye pupils dilated and fixed as in death, yet some of these victims have been revived and have not sustained brain or other vital-organ damage.