What term describes an abnormally low core body temperature below 37 degrees Celsius?

Hypothermia is the term used to describe an abnormally low core body temperature, typically defined as below 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit). This condition arises when the body loses heat more quickly than it can produce it, often due to prolonged exposure to cold environments or immersion in cold water.

In cases of hypothermia, the body's thermoregulation mechanisms are overwhelmed, leading to symptoms that may include shivering, confusion, and lethargy. Immediate medical attention is crucial, as severe hypothermia can result in serious complications or death if left untreated. Understanding this condition is essential for EMTs and medical practitioners, as it requires prompt recognition and intervention to restore and stabilize the patient's body temperature.

The other terms refer to different conditions: hyperthermia involves an elevated body temperature, often due to heat-related illnesses; fever indicates an elevated body temperature usually resulting from infection or illness; and heat exhaustion refers to a heat-related illness that occurs when the body loses too much water and salt, often with a core temperature that may still be within the normal range but is accompanied by specific symptoms.