At what temperature is classified as severe hypothermia?

Severe hypothermia is classified as a body temperature that falls below 32.5°C. At this temperature, the body’s core temperature drops significantly, leading to a range of physiological changes that can be life-threatening. Symptoms of severe hypothermia may include confusion, lack of coordination, and decreased level of consciousness.

In the context of hypothermia, a body temperature above 32.5°C is generally considered mild to moderate hypothermia, where the individual may still be able to exhibit some cognitive functions and movement. A temperature below 36°C indicates the onset of hypothermia, but it does not reach the severity associated with the below 32.5°C threshold. Meanwhile, temperatures below 30°C are used to indicate profound or critical hypothermia, which signifies an even more severe state but is not the classification for severe hypothermia itself. Therefore, the classification of severe hypothermia specifically refers to temperatures below 32.5°C, making it a critical level that requires immediate medical attention.