Hypothermia
Dangerous drop in core body temperature, usually below 95°F.
What is Hypothermia? Dangerous drop in core body temperature, usually below 95°F.
Hypothermia occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it, dropping core temperature below 95°F. Mild hypothermia causes shivering and impaired coordination. Severe hypothermia causes confusion, slow pulse, and unconsciousness. Hypothermia is most dangerous in cold-wet conditions (wet cotton, exhaustion, exposure). Treatment: get out of cold, remove wet clothes, gradual rewarming with body heat. Severe hypothermia is a medical emergency.
Recognising Hypothermia
- Uncontrollable shivering
- Slurred speech or mumbling
- Confusion or memory loss
- Drowsiness or low energy
- Slow, shallow breathing
- Weak pulse
Risk factors
- Prolonged exposure to cold (below 50°F / 10°C is enough if wet)
- Wet clothing or immersion
- Inadequate insulation for the conditions
- Wind chill increasing heat loss
- Exhaustion or dehydration
- Age extremes (infants, elderly)
What to do
- Call emergency services for severe hypothermia
- Move to a warm, dry shelter
- Replace wet clothing with dry layers
- Apply warm, dry compresses to the trunk first (not extremities)
- Offer warm sweet drinks if the person is fully conscious
- Do not give alcohol
Educational content — not medical advice. Seek emergency medical care for any suspected case.
References: Wikipedia · Wikidata
Hypothermia in our guides
Hypothermia appears in the following WhetherWear guides: