First Aid for Hypothermia

Hypothermia happens when the body loses heat faster than it can make it, causing body temperature to drop below 95°F (35°C). Cold weather, falling into cold water, or staying in cool indoor temperatures for too long can cause this condition. Infants and older adults face higher risk, especially if they are tired or dehydrated.

Recognizing and acting on the signs of hypothermia can help save lives. Symptoms often start slowly and may include shivering, confusion, slow breathing, or trouble moving. In severe cases, people can lose consciousness. Knowing what to do in these situations, and how to prevent problems like frostbite, helps keep people safe in cold environments.

What Causes Hypothermia?

Hypothermia develops when your body loses heat faster than it can produce it. This often happens due to:

Prolonged exposure to cold outdoor temperatures.
Falling into cold water (lakes, rivers, oceans).
Wearing wet clothes in cold conditions.
Staying in poorly heated indoor spaces.
High winds that increase heat loss through evaporation and exposure.

Cold weather isn’t the only risk. Hypothermia can also occur indoors, especially in elderly individuals who may not feel temperature changes as easily or in infants who can’t regulate their body heat well.

Who Is Most at Risk?

While anyone can get hypothermia, certain groups face higher risk:

Older Adults: Reduced circulation and slower metabolism make it harder to stay warm.
Infants and Young Children: Their smaller bodies lose heat faster.
People with Medical Conditions: Diabetes, thyroid issues, or poor nutrition can reduce the body’s ability to regulate heat.
Outdoor Workers and Athletes: Long exposure to cold or damp environments raises risk.
Those without Adequate Housing or Heating: Especially during winter months.

Early Signs and Symptoms of Hypothermia

Symptoms of hypothermia can start off mild and gradually become more severe. The key is to recognize the signs early:

Shivering (may stop in very advanced cases)
Cold or pale skin
Slurred speech or mumbling
Slow, shallow breathing
Clumsiness or lack of coordination
Fatigue, drowsiness, or confusion
Irritability or unusual behavior
Weak pulse

In babies, look for:

Bright red and cold skin
Very low energy or limpness

In severe hypothermia, the person may lose consciousness, and their heartbeat and breathing may slow down to dangerous levels.

If you suspect someone has hypothermia, act quickly:

Call 911 or emergency services immediately if the person shows signs of moderate to severe hypothermia.
Move them to a warmer place if it is safe to do so. Shelter them from wind and cold air.
Remove wet clothing and replace it with dry layers. Use blankets, jackets, or even towels.
Warm the person gradually, especially the core (chest, neck, and groin). Use warm compresses or warm water bottles wrapped in cloth.
Give warm (not hot) drinks, like broth or water, if the person is awake and able to swallow. Avoid alcohol or caffeine, which can worsen heat loss.
Keep the person still and lying flat. Movement can worsen the condition by spreading cold blood to vital organs.
Monitor breathing and be ready to perform CPR if the person becomes unresponsive.

What Not To Do

Avoid these common mistakes when treating hypothermia:

Do not use direct heat, such as heating pads, electric blankets, or hot water—these can cause burns or shock.
Do not rub the person’s arms or legs, as it can cause cold blood to return to the heart and worsen the condition.
Do not give alcohol, which can speed up heat loss and impair judgment.
Do not immerse in hot water suddenly, which can cause rapid blood pressure changes.

Preventing Hypothermia

The best way to manage hypothermia is to prevent it. Here are tips to stay safe in cold conditions:

Dress in layers: wear a moisture-wicking base, an insulating middle layer, and a windproof/waterproof outer layer.
Cover exposed skin with gloves, scarves, hats, and waterproof footwear.
Stay dry: wet clothing pulls heat away from the body much faster.
Take breaks indoors or in warm shelters during outdoor activities.
Stay nourished and hydrated to help the body produce heat.
Check on vulnerable individuals, such as elderly neighbors, during cold weather.

For infants, keep rooms warm, dress them in appropriate layers, and avoid over-bundling, which can cause overheating. Avoid placing babies in cold or drafty areas.

Understanding Hypothermia Stages

Hypothermia is often categorized into three stages:

Stage	Body Temp	Signs
Mild	90–95°F (32–35°C)	Shivering, cold skin, tiredness
Moderate	82–90°F (28–32°C)	Confusion, clumsiness, slurred speech
Severe	Below 82°F (28°C)	Unconsciousness, weak pulse, slow breath

Severe hypothermia is a medical emergency. The person may appear dead, but with proper care, recovery is possible.

When to Seek Medical Help

Always seek emergency help if:

The person stops shivering
They show signs of confusion or memory loss
They are unconscious or breathing irregularly
Their temperature drops below 95°F (35°C)
They are a baby or elderly person with cold skin or unusual behavior

Even if someone seems fine after warming up, it’s best to have a healthcare provider evaluate them to prevent complications like frostbite or internal injuries from cold exposure.