Hypothermia

Alternative names:

cold exposure; low body temperature

First aid:

If the victim has both hypothermia and frostbite, give first aid for the hypothermia first.
1. If the victim is conscious and you suspect hypothermia, get the victim out of the cold. Handle the victim gently. People with hypothermia are at risk for cardiac arrest.

2. If the victim is unconscious, check their airway, breathing and circulation. If necessary, begin rescue breathing, CPR, or bleeding control. If the victim is breathing at a rate of less than 6 breaths per minute, start rescue breathing.

3. If going indoors is not possible, get the victim out of the wind, cover their head, and insulate them from the cold ground. If at all possible, get the victim inside to an area at room temperature and cover them with warm blankets.

4. Once inside, take off any wet or constricting clothes and replace them with dry clothing.

5. Warm the victim. Cover the head and neck. If necessary, use your own body heat to aid the warming. Apply warm compresses to the neck, chest wall, and groin. If the victim is alert and can easily swallow, give warm, sweetened fluids (nonalcoholic) to aid in the warming process.

6. Stay with the victim until medical help arrives.

Do not:

• DO NOT assume that someone found lying still in the cold is dead.
• DO NOT use your own comfort to decide if an area is warm enough, since people respond differently to cold.
• DO NOT attempt to warm a severely hypothermic person without medical advice.
• DO NOT use direct heat (such as hot water, a heating pad, or a heat lamp) to warm the victim.
• DO NOT give the victim alcohol!

Call immediately for emergency medical assistance if:

• the victim is suffering from hypothermia. Meanwhile, give first aid immediately.