From the Guidelines
No, 95.3°F is considered a low body temperature, classified as cold stress or mild hypothermia, according to the 2024 American Heart Association and American Red Cross guidelines for first aid 1. This classification is based on the guidelines' definition of hypothermia levels, which categorize temperatures between 35–37°C as cold stress and 32–35°C as mild hypothermia.
- Key signs and symptoms of hypothermia include shivering, altered level of responsiveness, and decreased level of responsiveness, depending on the severity of the condition.
- Rewarming strategies for hypothermia may include removing the individual from the cold environment, protecting them from further heat loss, and using passive and active rewarming methods, as outlined in the guidelines 1.
- It is essential to seek medical attention if someone experiences symptoms of hypothermia, especially if they are severe or persistent, as hypothermia can be a life-threatening condition if left untreated.
- The guidelines emphasize the importance of gentle handling and activation of the emergency response system for individuals with moderate to severe hypothermia, highlighting the potential risks of irregular heart rhythm and cardiac arrest 1.
From the Research
Temperature Considerations
- The provided studies do not directly address whether 95.3 is an average temperature, as they focus on therapeutic hypothermia and its effects on patients after cardiac arrest 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- However, the studies mention various target temperatures, such as 33°C and 36°C, which are used in therapeutic hypothermia protocols 3, 5.
- Normal human body temperature is typically considered to be around 37°C, with a range of 36.5°C to 37.5°C 6.
Vasopressor Requirements
- The studies investigate the relationship between target temperatures and vasopressor requirements in patients after cardiac arrest 3, 4, 5.
- One study found that patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest due to acute myocardial infarction without cardiogenic shock required higher doses of vasopressors with low targeted temperature management (33°C) compared to higher targeted temperature management (36°C) 5.
- Another study found that the "dose" of therapeutic hypothermia (hours*temperature below threshold) was not associated with vasopressor requirement or outcome 4.
Outcome and Safety
- The studies evaluate the effectiveness and safety of therapeutic hypothermia in patients after cardiac arrest 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- One study found that therapeutic hypothermia was effective in improving outcome after cardiac arrest, but may increase vasopressor and inotrope requirements 4.
- Another study found that skin injuries were associated with vasopressor use and low ejection fraction in patients undergoing therapeutic hypothermia 6.