Hypothermia | 30 Seconds of Science

General Manager: Juan Contreras

Producer: Nicole Maxhimer

Author: Grace Thanasiu

Hey, there science lovers! If you’ve been keeping up with our latest blog content you’ve probably read team member Kristen Dauber’s excellent 5 Minute Flashback on the tragic sinking of the RMS Titanic. (If you haven’t yet, go check it out!)

The Titanic’s ill-fated maiden voyage occurred 108 years ago this April, so in honor of the ship’s sinking anniversary I recently rewatched James Cameron’s 1997 box office smash hit “Titanic”. As always, there are a few main takeaways: I wish I could have Rose’s wardrobe, be careful not to accidentally put the diamond in the coat, and why did Jack have to die?!?!

For this post, we’re going to be learning about the physiological process that killed a majority of the Titanic’s victims, including everyone’s favorite Leonardo DiCaprio character: hypothermia. Hypothermia is a medical emergency that happens when your body loses heat more quickly than it can produce heat, causing a dangerously low body temperature.

Normal body temperature is around 98.6 F (37 C). Hypothermia occurs as your body temperature falls below 95 F (35 C). When your body temperature drops, your heart, nervous system and other organs can't function properly. Left untreated, hypothermia can eventually lead to death, either through heart failure or failure of the respiratory system. The most common causes of hypothermia are exposure to cold-weather conditions or cold water.

People who develop hypothermia may also be vulnerable to freezing of body tissues, which is colloquially known as frostbite, or decay and death of tissue resulting from an interruption in blood flow, which is known as gangrene.

If action is taken quickly enough, hypothermia can be treated. The individual should be removed from the cold environment and warmed back up with blankets, warm liquids, and depending on the severity, medical interventions such as blood or airway rewarming. As we all know, Jack was not removed from the cold water since he gave up the door to Rose and he was unable to insulate his body heat as effectively as her since he did not have on a life jacket or a coat.

That's all for this 30 Seconds of Science blog post. I hope this inspired you to watch “Titanic” with newfound scientific knowledge. If you want to learn more about other science topics head on over to our youtube channel. While you're at it don't forget to give us a like on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and send us some love on Instagram. This was Grace Thanasiu reminding you to stay in, enjoy life, and stay curious!