First Aid & Emergencies

Hypothermia Treatment

Call 911

1. In children and adults, symptoms include:

• Confusion, memory loss, or slurred speech
• Drop in body temperature below 95 F
• Exhaustion or drowsiness
• Loss of consciousness
• Numb hands or feet
• Shallow breathing
• Shivering

In infants, symptoms include:

• Bright red, cold skin
• Very low energy level

2. Restore Warmth Slowly

• Get the person indoors.

• Remove wet clothing and dry the person off, if needed.

• Warm the person's trunk first, not hands and feet. Warming extremities first can cause shock.

• Warm the person by wrapping him or her in blankets or putting dry clothing on the person.

• Do not immerse the person in warm water. Rapid warming can cause heart arrhythmia.

• If using hot water bottles or chemical hot packs, wrap them in cloth; don't apply them directly to the skin.

3. Begin CPR, if Necessary, While Warming Person

If the person is not breathing normally:

• For a child, start CPR for children.

• For an adult, start adult CPR.

• Continue CPR until the person begins breathing or emergency help arrives.

4. Give Warm Fluids

• Give the person a warm drink, if conscious. Avoid caffeine or alcohol.

5. Keep Body Temperature Up

• Once the body temperature begins to rise, keep the person dry and wrapped in a warm blanket. Wrap the person's head and neck as well.

6. Follow Up

• At the hospital, health care providers will continue warming efforts, including intravenous fluids and warm, moist oxygen.