Recognizing Hypothermia
Learn these important warning signs of hypothermia.
Adults
- shivering, exhaustion
- confusion, fumbling hands
- memory loss, slurred speech
- drowsiness
Infants
- bright red, cold skin
- very low energy
If you notice any signs of hypothermia, take the victim's temperature. If it is below 95 degrees, the situation is an emergency; get medical attention immediately.
If medical care is not available, begin warming the victim, as follows:
- Move the victim into a warm room or shelter.
- If the victim is wearing any wet clothing, remove it.
- Warm the center of the body first — chest, neck, head, and groin — using an electric blanket, if available. Otherwise, use skin-to-skin contact under loose, dry layers of blankets, clothing, towels or sheets.
- Warm beverages can help increase the body temper- ature, but do not give alcoholic beverages. Do not try to give beverages to an unconscious person.
- After body temperature has increased, keep the person dry and wrapped in a warm blanket, including the head and neck.
- Get medical attention as soon as possible.
A person with severe hypothermia may be unconscious and may not seem to have a pulse or appear to be breathing. In such a case, handle the victim gently, and get emergency assistance immediately. Even if the victim appears dead, CPR should be performed. Continue CPR while the victim is being warmed, until the victim responds or medical aid becomes available. In some cases, hypothermia victims who appear to be dead can be resuscitated.
