What temperature would be required for a person to die?

Answer 1

To die from hypothermia, a person's body temp drops below normal range (98.2F or 37C). There are 3 stages to this: In STAGE 1, body temp drops 1-2*. Shivering occurs, goose bumps form, hands become numb, and breathing quickens. Blood vessels constrict to protect the internal organs, so the appendages (arms and legs) don't have as much blood flow going to them anymore. The person may become nauseous or tired. Oftentimes, the person may start to feel warm inside, as if they have recovered, but in fact they are heading for stage 2.

STAGE 2 - Body temp drops 2-4*, shivering becomes more violent, and confusion worsens. Person moves around slowly, although they may appear alert and fine. Person becomes pale, and lips, ears, fingers, and toes may become blue.

STAGE 3- Body temp drops below 89F or 32C. Shivering stops. Person has difficulty speaking and sluggish thinking. Person is unable to use hands and may stumble around quite a bit if still able to walk. Exposed skin becomes blue and puffy. Pulse and respiration usually decrease, though sometimes increased heart rate can occur. Major organs start to fail and clinical death begins. The brain takes longer to undergo death in hypothermia than under normal conditions of death due to the decrease in cellular activity.

To die from hyperthermia, AKA heat stroke, a person has to absorb more heat than they can sweat off. Body temperatures above 104F or 40C are life threatening (usually occurs when out in sun for too long or sick with fever). At this point in time, cellular processes begin to break down - DNA can even start to unravel. If the person is given medical attention, many times doctors are able to reverse the process at this stage, though permanent bran damage can occur. At 106F and 41C, brain death begins and there is pretty much no going back at this point. At 113F and 45C, death is pretty much certain. Internal temps of more than 122F or 50C will cause rigidity in muscles and immediate death.