Protect Yourself and Your Family During Extremely Cold Weather

Hypothermia occurs when the body’s core temperature drops below 95°F (35°C). This condition happens when the body loses heat more quickly than it can produce, and the body's internal temperature falls to dangerously low levels, impairing normal bodily functions.

How Does Hypothermia Happen?

Hypothermia can occur in various environments, but it is most common in cold and wet conditions. It happens when the body is exposed to cold temperatures, causing it to lose heat faster than it can generate it. Risk factors include wet clothing, wind, exhaustion, alcohol use, and inadequate clothing.

Common ways hypothermia develops include:

• Prolonged exposure to cold weather or water.
• Being soaked in cold water (even in relatively mild conditions).
• Wearing wet or insufficient clothing.
• Dehydration or exhaustion, which can make the body less capable of generating heat.

Symptoms of Hypothermia

Symptoms of hypothermia develop gradually and can be divided into mild, moderate, and severe stages:

Mild Hypothermia:

• Shivering
• Cold, pale skin
• Numbness or tingling in extremities
• Slurred speech
• Rapid breathing and heart rate
• Difficulty with coordination

Moderate Hypothermia:

• Shivering may stop (muscles lose ability to contract)
• Confusion or disorientation
• Lack of coordination or clumsiness
• Drowsiness or difficulty staying awake
• Slow, irregular breathing
• Slurred or incoherent speech

Severe Hypothermia:

• No shivering
• Unconsciousness or inability to respond
• Slow, weak, or irregular pulse
• Very shallow or absent breathing
• Loss of coordination and motor control
• The body may appear stiff and frozen
• Coma or death if untreated

How to Treat Hypothermia

If you suspect someone has hypothermia, immediate action is necessary. Follow these steps:

1. Call for medical help: Seek medical care as soon as possible. Hypothermia can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.

2. Move the person to a warm environment: If possible, move them out of the cold to a sheltered area. Avoid sudden or rough movements that could cause further harm.

3. Warm the person gradually:

   • Remove any wet clothing and replace it with dry, warm clothes or blankets.
   • Use warm (not hot) blankets or heating pads to gently warm their body.
   • Provide warm, non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated drinks to help raise their core temperature (but only if they are conscious and able to swallow).

4. Do not use direct heat (such as hot water or heating pads directly on the skin) as it can cause burns or shock the body’s systems.

5. Monitor vital signs: Check for signs of life, like breathing and a pulse. If the person becomes unconscious and is not breathing, begin CPR immediately.

6. Avoid rapid rewarming (such as immersing in hot water), as it can cause shock.

How to Prevent Hypothermia

1. Dress in layers: Wear moisture-wicking, insulating, and waterproof clothing to stay dry and retain body heat.

2. Stay dry: Wet clothing increases heat loss, so avoid getting wet, especially in cold conditions.

3. Cover extremities: Wear hats, gloves, scarves, and thick socks. A significant amount of heat is lost through the head, hands, and feet.

4. Limit time in cold environments: Avoid prolonged exposure to extreme cold, especially if wet or windy.

5. Stay fueled and hydrated: Maintain energy levels with food and water, as the body needs more energy to stay warm in cold conditions.

6. Avoid alcohol: Alcohol can impair the body's ability to regulate temperature and can increase the risk of hypothermia.

7. Monitor weather conditions: Stay informed about the forecast and be prepared to seek shelter if conditions worsen.

By taking appropriate preventive measures and recognizing the signs of hypothermia early, you can significantly reduce the risk of severe outcomes. Follow up with your medical provider.