Guide · First aid

Hypothermia

Hypothermia happens when the body loses heat faster than it can make it. Wind, rain, cold water and exhaustion all make it more likely, even when it isn't freezing. Call your local emergency number (112 in Europe and many other countries, 911 in North America) if the person is confused, drowsy, has stopped shivering or is unresponsive.

Signs

Early: shivering, cold pale skin, clumsiness, tiredness, irritability.

Getting worse: violent shivering that then stops, slurred speech, confusion, poor judgement, drowsiness, slow breathing and a weak pulse. People with severe hypothermia may undress or say they feel fine.

What to do

Get them out of the cold. Move them into shelter, out of wind and rain. Insulate them from the ground with a mat, pack or branches.
Handle them gently. Rough handling can upset the heart rhythm in severe hypothermia. Keep them lying flat if they are very cold or drowsy.
Replace wet clothing. Remove wet clothes and put on dry ones. If that would expose them to more wind or cold, wrap them over the wet clothes instead.
Wrap them up. Use blankets, sleeping bags, coats or a survival bag. Cover the head and neck. Several layers with a windproof outer layer work best.
Warm the core first. Put wrapped warm water bottles or heat packs in the armpits, on the chest and in the groin — not directly on the skin. Sharing body heat inside a sleeping bag also works.
Warm, sweet drinks help if they are fully alert and can swallow safely. High-energy food helps them make heat. Give nothing by mouth to anyone drowsy or confused.

Don't

Rub or massage their arms and legs
Put them in a hot bath or shower, or near an open fire, if severely cold
Give alcohol — it makes them lose heat faster
Let them walk around or exert themselves once they have warmed up a little

If they stop breathing

If they are unresponsive and not breathing normally, start CPR and keep going. Check for breathing for up to a full minute, as it may be very slow and shallow. People with severe hypothermia have survived long resuscitations, so don't give up until help takes over.

Prevention

Wear layers, stay dry, keep out of the wind, eat and drink regularly, and stop to make shelter early. Watch your companions: people often don't notice hypothermia in themselves.

This guide does not replace a first-aid course. A few hours of hands-on practice will make you far more confident when it matters.

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