Signs of Hypothermia

Hypothermia is an abnormally low body temperature.  According to the Centers for Disease Control, when you're exposed to cold temperatures, your body begins to lose heat faster than it can be produced.

Hypothermia is most likely at very cold temperatures, but it can occur even at cool temperatures if a person becomes chilled from rain, sweat, or submersion in cold water.

Victims of hypothermia are often

1.  elderly people with inadequate food, clothing, or heating;
2.  babies sleeping in cold bedrooms;
3.  people who remain outdoors for long periods
4.  people who drink alcohol or use illicit drugs.

Here are the warning signs for adults.
1.  Shivering
2.  Exhaustion
3.  Confusion
4.  Fumbling Hands
5.  Memory Loss
6.  Slurred Speech
7.  Drowsiness

Here are the warning signs for infants.
1.  Bright Red, Cold Skin
2.  Very Low Energy

If you notice any of these signs, take the person’s temperature. If it is below 95°, the situation is an emergency—get medical attention immediately.

If medical care is not available, begin warming the person, as follows:

1.  Get the victim into a warm room or shelter.
2.  If the victim has on any wet clothing, remove it.
3.  Warm the center of the body first—chest, neck, head, and groin—using an electric blanket, if available. Or use skin-to-skin contact under loose, dry layers of blankets, clothing, towels, or sheets.
4.  Warm beverages can help increase the body temperature, but do not give alcoholic beverages. Do not try to give beverages to an unconscious person.
5.  After body temperature has increased, keep the person dry and wrapped in a warm blanket, including the head and neck.
6.  Get medical attention as soon as possible.

A person with severe hypothermia may be unconscious and may not seem to have a pulse or to be breathing. In this case, handle the victim gently, and get emergency assistance immediately. Even if the victim appears dead, CPR should be provided. CPR should continue 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 successfully resuscitated.