Survival guides · First Aid & Health

Hypothermia

ACT NOWCold and wet or exhausted: shivering, confused, clumsy, slurring. Happens well above freezing.

1. How bad is it?

   • Mild: shivering, confusion, slurred speech, clumsy, tired.
   • Moderate: violent shivering — then it stops. Drowsy, blue lips.
   • Severe: no shivering, unconscious, very slow breathing and pulse.
   • Shivering that suddenly stops is danger, not recovery.

2. Warm them — gently

   • Get them somewhere warm and dry.
   • Wet clothes off, dry layers on.
   • Warm the core first — chest, neck, head. Blankets, sleeping bags, another person's body heat.
   • Not the arms and legs first.
   • Handle gently — rough movement can upset the heart's rhythm.

3. Add warmth to the center

   • Warm — not hot — packs or bottles on the chest, neck and groin.
   • Fully awake and can swallow? A warm, sweet drink.
   • No alcohol. Skip caffeine.

4. Watch and get help

   • Even mild hypothermia needs a doctor. Moderate or severe: call 911 if there's service, or send someone for help.
   • No signal at all? Dial 911 anyway — iPhone 14 and newer offer to text 911 by satellite. Get outside, clear view of the sky.
   • Unconscious? Check breathing and pulse for up to 60 seconds — it may be very slow.
   • CPR only if no pulse after the full 60 seconds.
   • Keep warming until help arrives.

Sources: Wilderness Medical Society Clinical Practice Guidelines for Accidental Hypothermia · CDC Cold Weather Safety · American Red Cross Hypothermia Guidelines

General information to help in an emergency — not a substitute for training or professional care.