Hypothermia

Hypothermia: body loses heat faster than it can produce heat and your body temperature falls below 35 C

Occurs from cold weather or immersion in cold water

Symptoms:

• Shivering, though this may stop as body temperature drops

• Slurred speech or mumbling

• Slow, shallow breathing

• Weak pulse

• Clumsiness or lack of coordination

• Drowsiness or very low energy

• Confusion or memory loss

• Loss of consciousness

• Bright red, cold skin (in infants)

Treatments

1. Call emergency services immediately.

2. Gently move the person out of the cold.

3. Gently remove wet clothing. Replace wet things with warm, dry coats or blankets.

4. If further warming is needed, do so gradually. For example, apply warm, dry compresses to the center of the body..

5. Offer the person warm, sweet, nonalcoholic drinks.

6. Begin CPR if the person shows no signs of life