Hypothermia

Who is at risk for hypothermia? 

• Elderly
• Babies sleeping in cold rooms
• People with chronic illnesses
• People who cannot afford to heat their homes properly
• People who remain outdoors during severe weather for extended periods of time .
• construction workers, the homeless, hikers, hunters, children playing in the snow

How to protect yourself from hypothermia 

• Stay dry!
• Eat well-balanced meals.
• Avoid alcohol and nicotine prior to and during exposure.

Outdoor Wear  

• Multiple layers of loose-fitting clothing
• A hat
• A scarf or knit mask to cover face and mouth
• Sleeves that are snug at the wrist
• Water-resistant coat
• Mittens or gloves (Mittens are warmer than gloves)
• Water-resistant shoes or boots

Indoor Precautions 

• Wear multiple layers of loose-fitting clothing.
• Sleep in warm clothing. Use blankets.
• If you are more than 65 years old, place an easy-to-read thermometer in an indoor location where you will see it often. Your ability to feel a change in temperature decreases with age.

Warning signs of hypothermia 

Mild hypothermia  

• Shivering
• Fumbling hands
• Hands numb

Moderate hypothermia  

• Violent shivering
• Difficulty speaking, slurred speech
• Stumbling
• Confusion, memory loss
• Signs of depression, withdrawn
• Incoherent/irrational behavior

Severe hypothermia  

• Shivering stops
• Blue or puffy skin
• Poor muscle coordination
• Inability to walk
• Confusion
• Drowsiness, exhaustion
• Dilation of the pupils
• Decreased respiratory rate and pulse
• Core temperature 95 degrees or below

For infants 

• Bright red, cold skin
• Very low energy

Treating Hypothermia 

Mild-Moderate hypothermia  

• Replace wet clothing with dry clothing.
• Put on additional layers of clothing.
• Increase the person’s physical activity.
• Give warm beverages containing sugar.
• Use blankets to warm the person and move the victim to a warm room, if possible.
• Give body to body contact, if a heat source is unavailable.

Avoid giving: 

• Alcohol
• Caffeine
• Tobacco/nicotine

Severe hypothermia  

• Call 911 immediately!
• Make sure person is dry. Wrap person in a minimum of 4 inches of sleeping bags, wool blankets, and wool clothing.
• Warm center of body first. Apply heat to neck, chest, and groin using hot water bottles, warm towels, or chemical heat packs such as Heat WaveTM.