Hypothermia Safety Tips

Hypothermia occurs when the body's temperature drops below 95 degrees Fahrenheit.

Detection - female holding thermometer laying down

Symptoms of this condition include:

Change in mental status (stumbles, bumbles, grumbles and mumbles are signs that cold is affecting the body and brain)
Uncontrollable shivering
Cool abdomen and a low core body temperature
Severe hypothermia may produce rigid muscles, dark and puffy skin, irregular heart and respiratory rates, and unconsciousness

Prevention - people sitting outside with cups in their hands laughing

Wear multi-layered clothing
1. Inner layer that wicks sweat away from skin such as lightweight wool, polyester, or polypropylene (polypro). Never use cotton as it absorbs moisture.
2. Middle layer that insulates and keeps in heat -examples include polyester fleece, wool, microfiber insulation, or down.
3. Outer layer should repel wind, snow and rain. Choose a fabric that is breathable and rain and wind proof.
Wear gloves or mittens and warm waterproof shoes or boots. Avoid overly constricting wrist bands, socks or shoes.
Wear warm headgear, scarf or neck warmer and face mask
Eat a well-balanced diet
Drink warm, non-alcoholic, caffeine-free liquids to maintain fluid levels
Avoid becoming wet, as wet clothing loses 90 percent of its insulating value

Treatment - woman laying in hospital bed with monitor in the background

Treat hypothermia by protecting further heat loss and calling for immediate medical attention

Get the victim out of the cold
Add insulation such as blankets, pillows, towels or newspapers beneath and around the victim
Be sure to cover the victim's head
Replace wet clothing with dry clothing
Handle the victim gently because rough handling can cause cardiac arrest
Keep the victim in a horizontal, flat position
Give artificial respiration or CPR if you are trained as necessary

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