BALTIMORE — The Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed in Baltimore early Tuesday morning. A cargo ship reportedly struck the bridge, causing it to collapse. Initial emergency calls reported at least seven people were in the water. Authorities are conducting a search and rescue mission for survivors, but frigid water temperatures could complicate those efforts.
The temperature in the river was about 47 degrees Fahrenheit (8 degrees Celsius) in the early hours of Tuesday, according to a buoy that collects data for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Hypothermia occurs when a person’s body temperature drops below 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Hypothermia can develop within minutes of falling into cold water, but the symptoms generally develop gradually.
According to health experts, in water temperatures between 40 and 50 degrees, death can occur within one to three hours.
As search and rescue efforts continue, anyone who may have fallen into the water has been in the water at least seven hours.
What are the symptoms of hypothermia?
Symptoms of mild hypothermia (body temperature of 90° to 95°F/32° to 35°C) include:
- Shivering
- Goosebumps
- Bluish skin
- Confusion
- Trouble speaking clearly
- Memory problems
- Altered judgment
- Breathing faster than usual (hyperventilation)
- Loss of balance or coordination/clumsiness
- Apathy
- Fast heart rate
- Urinating more than usual
Symptoms of moderate hypothermia (body temperature of 82° to 90°F/28° to 32°C) include:
- Shivering stops
- Feeling very tired
- Seeing things that are not there (hallucinations)
- Shallow breathing
- Decreased reflexes
- Paradoxical undressing (undressing despite the need for clothing to keep warm)
- Stupor
- Increased risk for abnormal heartbeats (arrhythmias)
- Dilated pupils
Symptoms of severe hypothermia (body temperature less than 82°F/28°C) include:
- Stiffness
- Low blood pressure
- Muscle rigidity
- Passing out
- Coma
- Unresponsiveness
- Breathing stops
- Heart stops
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