At what body temperature does coma occur in a 19-year-old male after a fall through ice?

Coma can occur at significantly low body temperatures, and hypothermia is a critical condition characterized by a core temperature that drops below normal. In adults, coma typically starts to occur at temperatures around 86°F (30°C). For the scenario described, the most relevant temperature where coma may begin to manifest is near or below this threshold.

In this case, 79°F is indeed lower than the typical threshold for inducing a coma. At this temperature, the body’s metabolic processes slow considerably, impairing brain function and potentially leading to a state of unconsciousness or coma. As the temperature continues to fall, the risks increase, with more severe physiological effects occurring just below this point.

It is acknowledged that temperatures such as 91°F and 84°F might lead to confusion or altered mental status, but they are not low enough to typically induce a coma in an otherwise healthy young adult. The critical aspect of 79°F is its proximity to the threshold where the body cannot maintain normal physiological functions, putting the individual at high risk of severe consequences like a coma.