When venturing into the great outdoors, the dropping temperature can pose a serious threat to survival, especially for those unfamiliar with the warning signs of hypothermia. Hypothermia is characterized by an abnormally low body-core temperature resulting from exposure to a cold environment.

Recognizing Hypothermia

Mild Hypothermia

  • Core body temperature below 95ºF signals the onset of mild hypothermia.
  • Symptoms include feeling cold, intense shivering, and maintaining normal consciousness and coordination.
  • At temperatures below 93ºF, symptoms escalate to slurred speech, memory loss, poor judgment, and carelessness.

Mild Hypothermia Treatment

  1. Move the person to a sheltered environment.
  2. Replace wet clothing with dry, insulated garments.
  3. Provide warm food and sugary hot fluids to raise core temperature.
  4. Slow heat loss by using a sleeping bag or other insulating materials.
  5. Avoid hot water bottles; opt for steam inhalation or building a fire.

Profound Hypothermia

  • Core body temperature below 90ºF signifies profound hypothermia.
  • Symptoms include weakness, lethargy, altered mental state, and eventually, a complete cessation of shivering.

Profound Hypothermia Treatment

  1. Handle the person gently to avoid heart failure.
  2. Place the person in a sleeping bag or cover with blankets to prevent further cooling.
  3. A person with altered mental state should not eat or drink to prevent choking or vomiting.
  4. Evacuate to a hospital for professional rewarming.

Sobriety Test for Hypothermia

  • Have the person attempt to walk a straight line heel-to-toe; inability indicates progression to profound hypothermia.

Caution: Body temperature measurements in the field may be unreliable.

CPR and Resuscitation

  • Handle a profoundly hypothermic person gently to avoid heart failure.
  • If breathing or any pulse is detected, refrain from CPR.
  • If no signs of life after one minute, options depend on the situation:
    • Alone or with one other person: Cover and shelter the person, then seek help.
    • Multiple rescuers and safe to stay: Begin CPR; at least two rescuers should seek help.
    • Easily transportable: Evacuate with improvised stretcher while performing CPR.

Never assume a person is dead until thoroughly warmed. Occasionally, individuals without detectable signs of life may recover when rewarmed, albeit rarely.