Hypothermia: Learn first aid
Adult first aid for someone experiencing hypothermia including signs, symptoms and what to do in an emergency
What is hypothermia?
Hypothermia is when a person’s body temperature gets so low that they have reduced circulation of blood around the body, particularly to their skin. This is why the person’s skin will feel cold to touch. Many instances of hypothermia occur inside when there is cold weather and a lack of heating
Signs and symptoms of hypothermia
The person will be somewhere cold and may:
- be shivering, pale and cold to touch
- be confused
- be breathing more slowly
- have a temperature below 35 degrees Celsius.
First aid treatment if you suspect someone may be experiencing hypothermia
1. Take the person to a sheltered place as soon as possible.
Protect them from the ground and cover them with whatever materials are available, such as blankets or newspapers.
2. Remove and replace any wet clothing if possible; do not give them your clothes and make sure their head is covered.
3. Call 999.
4. Continue to warm and reassure them until help arrives.
You can continue to rewarm them by giving them warm drinks and high-energy foods, such as chocolate.
Watch this British Red Cross first aid video to learn first aid treatment of hypothermia
Deborah's experience with hypothermia after a long walk in the rain serves as a valuable lesson in identifying hypothermia symptoms, such as low body temperature, shivering, confusion, and slurred speech.
Common questions about first aid for someone who has hypothermia
What drinks or food can I give someone who has hypothermia?
You can give them warm drinks such as soup or hot chocolate, or energy-rich foods like chocolate. Do not give them alcohol.
What if I don't have a blanket?
You could use additional clothing, sheets or towels to warm the person.
What should I do if the person is outside?
If they are outside, get them inside if you can and replace any wet clothes with dry clothes.
If you have to stay outside, you could wrap the person in items such as bin bags, newspaper or cardboard to help warm them and protect them from the cold ground.
If the person is outside, will they also have frostbite?
Frostbite is much less common than hypothermia because it usually happens in extreme cold conditions.
When someone has frostbite, their fingers, toes or extremities will become pale or blue and lose feeling.
To help someone with frostbite, gently warm their fingers or toes – for example, with warm water – while waiting for help to arrive. Don’t try to thaw the affected body part if there is any chance that it will refreeze
For more information on what to do if someone has hypothermia, visit the NHS website. During life-threatening emergencies, call 999, or for non-emergency medical help, call 111.
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