Hypothermia is a severe medical condition that occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it, causing a dangerously low body temperature. While often associated with extreme cold, it can also happen in milder temperatures if a person is wet or exposed to wind for too long. Recognizing the warning signs is critical for a fast response, as the condition can worsen quickly and impair a person's ability to recognize their own danger. This guide focuses on four primary indicators to help you identify and address hypothermia.
1. Uncontrollable Shivering
Shivering is the body's natural response to cold, generating heat through muscle movement and is often an early sign of hypothermia. However, shivering may stop in moderate to severe hypothermia, indicating a worsening condition and requiring immediate medical attention.
2. Confusion and Impaired Judgment
As body temperature drops, the brain is affected, leading to confusion, memory loss, and poor judgment. A dangerous sign is "paradoxical undressing," where the person removes clothing due to a false feeling of warmth.
3. Drowsiness and Low Energy
Hypothermia can cause a noticeable decrease in energy, appearing as drowsiness or lethargy. The body conserves energy, leading to slow, clumsy movements. This can progress to unconsciousness in severe cases.
4. Slow, Slurred Speech or Weak Pulse
Cold affects speech, causing it to become slow or slurred. In more severe hypothermia, heart and breathing rates slow, and the pulse may become weak or hard to find.
First-Aid Measures vs. Medical Intervention
Recognizing the signs requires knowing the appropriate response, which varies with severity. Mild hypothermia (90-95°F) symptoms include shivering and confusion, while severe hypothermia (below 82°F) can lead to cessation of shivering, unconsciousness, and organ failure.
| Feature | Mild Hypothermia (Core Temp 90-95°F) | Severe Hypothermia (Core Temp <82°F) |
|---|---|---|
| Signs & Symptoms | Shivering, confusion, lethargy, slurred speech, mild uncoordination. | Shivering stops, unconsciousness, weak pulse, slow/shallow breathing, stiff muscles. |
| First-Aid Actions | Move to a warm, dry area. Remove wet clothing. Provide warm, non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated drinks. Cover with dry blankets and insulate from the ground. |
Call 911 immediately. Handle gently to avoid triggering cardiac arrest. Perform CPR if necessary and if trained. Remove wet clothing if possible without excessive movement. * Cover with blankets and insulate from cold ground. |
| Warming Method | Passive rewarming (body rewarms itself with insulation). | Active core rewarming (medical intervention using warmed IV fluids or blood rewarming). |
| Warning | Avoid massage or rubbing the person vigorously. | Do NOT give fluids if unconscious. Do NOT apply direct, intense heat. |
First-Aid Checklist for Responding to Hypothermia
- Call for Help: Call 911 immediately if you suspect moderate to severe hypothermia.
- Move to Shelter: Relocate the person to a warm, dry area.
- Remove Wet Items: Take off wet clothing to prevent further heat loss.
- Insulate: Cover the person with dry blankets, including their head and neck, and insulate them from the ground.
- Provide Warmth (For alert individuals): Offer warm, non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated drinks. Do not give fluids to an unconscious person.
- Monitor and Reassure: Monitor breathing and consciousness while waiting for help.
Preventing Hypothermia
Prevention involves preparing for cold weather by dressing in layers, using moisture-wicking inner layers and wind/water-resistant outer layers, and avoiding cotton. Covering extremities, staying hydrated, and eating enough are also important. Inform others of your plans if going outdoors alone.
Conclusion
Hypothermia is a serious condition requiring immediate action. Recognizing the four key signs—shivering, confusion, drowsiness, and slurred speech—allows for prompt identification and response. Understanding the difference between mild and severe symptoms and administering appropriate first aid while awaiting medical help can be critical. Preparation and awareness are key defenses against hypothermia. For more information on first aid, refer to the American Red Cross website.
