What might indicate a casualty's body temperature is dangerously low?

A casualty's body temperature can be dangerously low if they exhibit symptoms such as sweaty, cool, and clammy skin. This condition often indicates hypothermia, where the body loses heat faster than it can produce it. The coolness of the skin suggests that blood flow is reduced to preserve core body temperature, while clamminess could indicate the body's response to stress or cold, where sweating does not help maintain warmth.

In contrast, increased heart rate is typically associated with the body's response to stress, pain, or shock, which may not directly indicate low body temperature. High energy levels are generally not consistent with low body temperature, as individuals who are hypothermic usually feel lethargic and unable to exert energy. Brightly colored skin can signify a variety of conditions, such as fever or circulatory issues, which do not correlate with hypothermia and might lead one to assume the body temperature is higher rather than lower.

Thus, the presence of sweaty, cool, and clammy skin serves as a critical indicator of potential hypothermia in a casualty, emphasizing the need for immediate assessment and treatment to prevent further complications.