Hypothermia

Elisa suffering from moderate hypothermia.

Hypothermia is defined as a body core temperature below 35.0 °C (95.0 °F) in humans.

History

When the Skiff was capsized by the Sea Monster in the Pacific Ocean, off the west coast of Canada, in January of 1996. Elisa Maza was lost at sea and nearly drowned before washing up on the beach of Queen Florence Island. She was taken inside the Natsilane Home, wrapped in a warm blanket by a fire, fed warm drinks, and healed by Grandmother. Throughout this, she kept calling out to Goliath. ("Heritage")

Elisa nearly succumbed to hypothermia for a second time after Odin drew the Skiff to Norway and she refused to allow Goliath to hand him the Eye of Odin in exchange for a parka. But Elisa was soon picked up on the road by Erik Sturluson and taken to his farm to warm up. ("Eye of the Storm")

Characteristics

Symptoms depend on the temperature. In mild hypothermia, there is shivering and mental confusion. In moderate hypothermia, shivering stops and confusion increases. In severe hypothermia, there may be hallucinations and paradoxical undressing, in which a person removes their clothing, as well as an increased risk of the heart stopping.

Hypothermia has two main types of causes. It classically occurs from exposure to cold weather and cold water immersion. It may also occur from any condition that decreases heat production or increases heat loss.

The treatment of mild hypothermia involves warm drinks, removal of cold and wet clothing, warm clothing, and voluntary physical activity. In those with moderate hypothermia, heating blankets and warmed intravenous fluids are recommended. In severe hypothermia, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) or cardiopulmonary bypass may be useful.

Judging by how Elisa was depicted in the episode, she was likely suffering from moderate hypothermia.

See Also

• Hypothermia at Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia