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Elderly and vulnerable people are at real risk from a deadly killer. It stalks them quietly over a period of time, and once it’s caught them there’s little chance of escape...

We’re talking of course about Hypothermia, and with the launch of the Warm Homes Campaign on 20th November, and falling temperatures, Strand Nurses Bureau, part of the Advantage Healthcare Group - one of the UK’s top healthcare solutions organisations • gives advice and guidance to help us prevent this silent threat. Whether it’s for yourself, a neighbour, a relative, or a friend; following the steps outlined below really could help save a life.

Last winter, in England and Wales, 23,000 elderly people [1] died as a direct result of the cold. This shocking figure is not unique or unexpected, in fact in the last five years more than 130,000 people [1][2] over 65 have died in this way.

What makes the statistics more worrying, is that the UK has a higher number of winter deaths than comparable European countries; and even EU neighbours with colder climates such as Finland, Denmark and Austria have lower numbers of deaths attributable to the cold than us.

Dr Peter Sachon from the Met Office said winter deaths go up by approximately 1.4% for every one degree drop in temperature below 18 degrees Celsius. Most of these will be from respiratory or cardiovascular ailments such as heart attacks, strokes, bronchial and other conditions.

So what causes this silent killer and what can be done about it? Strand Nurses Bureau is an agency at the frontline of the fight to cut these unnecessary deaths. They provide highly trained staff to GP’s Surgeries, hospitals and health centres; as well as providing domiciliary care for elderly and infirm clients in the comfort of their own homes. As part of the Advantage Healthcare Group, who have 35 branches nationwide, the Strand staff are promoting ways to ‘stay safe this winter’.

Keith Nurcombe, Operations Director of the Advantage Healthcare Group, explained: "Our staff are highly trained and well aware of the ways to spot and treat the various stages of hypothermia, however in many cases avoidable deaths happen because no-one spots the warning signs. Which is why it’s so important that there is a shared responsibility amongst all care workers, including district nurses, GPs, and the family and friends of vulnerable people. Having seen the devastation that this silent killer causes, we’re trying to increase awareness of what to look for and what to do."

What is Hypothermia?
Hypothermia occurs in cold environments when the normal body temperature of 37 degrees Celsius drops below 35 degrees Celsius. When the body energy is exhausted, hypothermia can become life-threatening which is why the elderly are so vulnerable.

There are three stages of hypothermia and it is important to familiarise yourself with their symptoms. Mild hypothermia is accompanied by bouts of shivering, grogginess and muddled thinking, whilst Moderate hypothermia is characterised by violent shivering or shivering which suddenly stops, an inability to think and pay attention, slow shallow breathing, and a slow weak pulse. Severe hypothermia sees the shivering stop and the patient lose consciousness, whilst displaying little or no breathing and a weak irregular or non-existent pulse.

What causes Hypothermia and how can you protect against it?
One key factor which can contribute to hypothermia is homes which are inadequately heated. Age Concern is currently lobbying the government to increase the fuel allowances provided, however if fuel bills are a problem, it is important to ensure that at least one room is well heated.

Older people should also ensure that they dress well, ideally with thin layers of clothes made of wool, cotton or fleecy fabrics, and that they do not stay sitting still for long periods of time. Any exercise should however be approached with caution during the wet or icy weather.

It’s also important that all vulnerable people get their flu jabs, and it’s also advised that they have at least one hot meal every day, and sip hot drinks regularly. Friends, family members and neighbours can help by keeping an eye on elderly people, and ensuring that in the particularly cold weather they have sufficient provisions, that gaps in doors and windows are sealed up, and that the heating system is working well.

Electric blankets are often used by the elderly to keep warm at night, however they do pose a certain risk themselves. If using one, it is imperative that it is safety checked every three years; Age Concern are currently offering free checks for older people in selected areas of the UK. For more information contact Age Concern’s Information Line on 0800 009966 or visit www.ageconcern.org.uk

How Do You Treat Hypothermia?
The NHS advise that hypothermia is always treated as a medical emergency, and that the symptoms are judged themselves, regardless of what the person actually says.

The emergency services should be contacted as extreme hypothermia needs expert urgent medical treatment; indeed rapid re-warming with hot water or massage should be avoided as if it is not done properly it could lead to serious tissue damage.


For more information on hypothermia contact the Department of Health Winter Warmth Advice Line on 0800 085 7000 (8am to 8pm Monday to Friday), or Age Concern on 0800 009 966 or www.ageconcern.org.ukFor details on how to keep your home warm this winter, contact the Home Heat Helpline on 0800 336 699.