Epidemiology

The incidence of hypothermia in the UK is estimated at 6-8 patients per 1000 patients [4], but this is probably an underestimate.

Most cases occur in an urban setting and are related to environmental exposure attributed to alcoholism or illicit drug use, often exacerbated by concurrent homelessness or mental illness.

Primary hypothermia usually affects young males and infants. Secondary hypothermia usually affects patients who are elderly, homeless, mentally ill or victims of trauma or who have multiple comorbidity [3].