Overview
Hypothermia results when a person's internal body temperature drops below normal due to cold exposure. While hypothermia typically occurs outdoors, it can also occur indoors because there are many things that can make a person lose body heat.
Hypothermia starts with mild symptoms but can progress and potentially become life-threatening. A person experiencing a late stage of severe hypothermia may go into a coma or suffer cardiac arrest.
First Aid GuideIn the case of mild hypothermia, complete the below self-care measures and get medical care as soon as possible. In the case of severe hypothermia, call emergency medical services immediately.
First aid for hypothermia: - Check the person's airway, breathing, and circulation.
- Move the person to a warmer area, and replace any wet or constricting clothes with loose, dry clothing.
- To rewarm the person, based on the means available, try any combination of the following:
- Cover the person completely with foil or a space blanket, or use your own body heat to help warm him/her.
- Use warm compresses on the neck, chest, and groin.
- Give warm, sweet fluids. (Any fluids given should be nonalcoholic, as alcohol interferes with the blood's circulation.)
Note: When a person has both frostbite and hypothermia, contact emergency medical services, and give first aid for the hypothermia (above) followed by first aid for the frostbite, which can be found in the topic on Frostbite.
