As the country experiences cold wintery weather, hypothermia cases become quite common. The condition has caused more than 20 deaths every year in the last three years. Records with the Royal Bhutan Police show that some eighty individuals in the country have lost their lives to hypothermia in the last three years. The deceased were found intoxicated with alcohol at the time of the death.
According to medical experts with the National Referral Hospital, hypothermia is a condition when the cold body temperature drops below 32 degrees Celsius, increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases and sometimes causing death.
It is caused when the body is exposed to cold for a prolonged period and the body begins to lose heat faster than it is produced. Medical experts say older people, children and intoxicated individuals are mostly vulnerable to hypothermia.
“Hypothermia is usually associated with exposure to cold conditions. The cold condition is aggravated by intoxication or some medical conditions and then we become more susceptible to undergo hypothermic disorder or problem,” said Dr Norbu, the Forensic Specialist with Forensic Medicine and Toxicology at JDWNRH.
In Bhutan, people who are under the influence of alcohol have usually fallen victim to hypothermia.
However, not all alcohol-related deaths are caused by hypothermia. Only those individuals who have died exposed to cold after consuming alcohol usually die of hypothermia.
According to the data maintained with police, 27 people have suffered alcohol-related deaths due to hypothermia in 2023. There were 21 deaths in 2022 and 32 deaths in 2021.
Thimphu saw the highest deaths from hypothermia with 13 cases in the last three years. Six people died from hypothermia in Thimphu last year alone.
“It is concerning and worrying that people who drink alcohol are dying. It was the case with my brother who used to drink and he passed away,” said Noine Maya, a resident of Thimphu.
Tashi Namgyal, a resident of Thimphu said, “In my perspective, the cause of such incidents is the availability of both alcohol and drugs in most places. Additionally, the extended operating hours of bars and other entertainment centres make access to alcohol easier.”
The doctor says common signs of hypothermia include shivering, slurred speech, abnormally slow rate of breathing, cold and pale skin, fatigue and lethargy. Medical experts say deaths from hypothermia are preventable.
Dr Norbu said, “The first thing is that we have to prevent ourselves from exposing to cold conditions. When we go out, we have to prepare ourselves with warm clothes and nourishing food. When we combine intoxication with cold weather, hypothermia is more likely to occur. So, we have to be mindful of intoxication especially with alcohol because alcohol is a vasodilator.”
When coming across individuals who are suffering from hypothermia, until medical help arrives, people are advised to move the person indoors immediately, remove any wet clothing and wrap them in a blanket while keeping their head covered. Giving them a warm non-alcoholic drink and sugary food are also recommended.
However, it is not recommended to bathe such individuals in hot water and use a hot water bottle or heater to warm them up. It is also not advised to rub their arms, legs, feet or hands.
Sonam Yuden & Interns (Chimi Zangmo and Sunita Subba)
Edited by Sangay Chezom
