Hypothermia is a medical emergency that occurs when your body loses heat faster than it can produce heat, causing a dangerously low body temperature. A temperature below 95⁰F is a medical emergency.  When your body temperature drops, your heart, nervous system and other organs can’t work normally.

Signs and symptoms of hypothermia:

• Slurred speech or mumbling
• Clumsiness or lack of coordination
• Drowsiness or very low energy
• Confusion or memory loss
• A person with severe hypothermia may be unconscious. Handle that person gently and call 9-1-1.
• Someone with hypothermia may not be aware of their condition because the symptoms often begin gradually.
• Specific conditions that can lead to hypothermia:
• Wearing clothes that aren’t warm enough for the conditions.
• Staying out in the cold too long.

Being unable to get out of wet clothes or move to a warm, dry place.

• Living in a house that’s too cold.
• Falling into water.
• Risk Factors:
• Certain medical conditions
• Alcohol or drug use
• Exhaustion
• Being an infant or older adult
• Medications
• Inadequate food intake and dehydration
• Prevention:
• Cover your body, especially your head, face, neck and hands.
• Avoid activities that can cause you to sweat a lot.
• Wear loose-fitting, layered clothing.
• Stay as dry as possible. Get out of wet clothing as soon as possible.
• Eat well-balanced meals and stay hydrated. Don’t drink alcohol if you plan to be outdoors in cold weather.

Treatment:

Hypothermia is a medical emergency.  If you notice any of the above symptoms, take the person’s temperature.  If it is below 95⁰F, call 9-1-1.  Handle that person gently.

For mild cases of hypothermia:

• Get the person into a warm room.
• Remove any wet clothing.
• Warm the center of the person’s body, their core (chest, neck, head, and groin), with dry layers of blankets, clothing, towels, or sheets.
• Drink warm fluids, but do not give alcoholic drinks. Do not try to give beverages to someone who is unconscious or can’t swallow.
• Keep the person warm and dry.
• Get proper medical attention as soon as possible.