What does hypothermia refer to?

Hypothermia refers to a condition in which the body temperature drops significantly below the normal range, typically defined as a temperature below 95 degrees Fahrenheit (35 degrees Celsius). This can happen due to prolonged exposure to cold environments, wet conditions, or immersion in cold water, leading to various physiological disruptions. The body struggles to maintain its core temperature, which can result in confusion, shivering, and eventually impaired bodily functions if not addressed.

The concept of hypothermia is critical in both medical settings and crime scene investigations, as recognizing the physical signs of this condition is essential for understanding the context of an individual's medical state or circumstances surrounding a death. In contrast, a normal body temperature reflects a healthy state, while a temperature higher than normal indicates fever or hyperthermia, neither of which aligns with the definition of hypothermia. A temporary drop in temperature suggests a transient condition rather than the serious and sustained drop that defines hypothermia.