Stages of Hypothermia to Know for First Aid

Hypothermia occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it, leading to dangerous drops in temperature. Understanding its stages—mild, moderate, and severe—helps in providing effective first aid to prevent serious complications or death.

1. Mild Hypothermia (35-32°C / 95-89.6°F)

   • Body temperature drops slightly, leading to initial symptoms.
   • Victim may experience shivering as the body attempts to generate heat.
   • Coordination and judgment may begin to decline, but the person is usually still conscious and alert.
   • First aid includes moving the person to a warmer environment and providing warm, non-alcoholic beverages.

2. Moderate Hypothermia (32-28°C / 89.6-82.4°F)

   • Body temperature continues to drop, leading to more severe symptoms.
   • Shivering may stop as the body loses its ability to generate heat.
   • Victim may exhibit confusion, difficulty speaking, and impaired motor skills.
   • First aid requires immediate medical attention, rewarming the body, and monitoring vital signs.

3. Severe Hypothermia (below 28°C / 82.4°F)

   • Critical drop in body temperature, leading to life-threatening conditions.
   • Victim may be unconscious or exhibit very slow responses.
   • Heart rate and breathing may become dangerously slow or irregular.
   • Immediate medical intervention is crucial; handle the person gently to avoid cardiac arrest.

4. Shivering

   • An involuntary response to cold, indicating the body is trying to generate heat.
   • Can be a sign of mild hypothermia; if shivering stops, it may indicate worsening condition.
   • First aid should focus on warming the individual to restore normal body temperature.

5. Confusion and Disorientation

   • Cognitive functions begin to decline as body temperature drops.
   • Victim may struggle to understand their surroundings or respond appropriately.
   • Important to keep the person calm and provide reassurance while seeking help.

6. Loss of Fine Motor Skills

   • Difficulty with tasks requiring precision, such as buttoning clothing or holding objects.
   • Indicates worsening hypothermia; may lead to inability to perform basic tasks.
   • First aid should include keeping the person warm and preventing further exposure to cold.

7. Slurred Speech

   • Speech may become slow and unclear, indicating neurological impairment.
   • Can be a sign of moderate to severe hypothermia.
   • First aid should focus on rewarming and monitoring for further deterioration.

8. Drowsiness

   • Increased fatigue and lethargy as the body struggles to maintain temperature.
   • Victim may fall asleep or become unresponsive, indicating severe hypothermia.
   • Immediate medical attention is necessary; keep the person warm and awake if possible.

9. Slow Pulse and Breathing

   • Heart rate and respiratory rate decrease significantly in severe hypothermia.
   • May indicate a critical state; vital signs should be monitored closely.
   • First aid involves gentle handling and immediate medical intervention.

10. Loss of Consciousness

    • A critical sign of severe hypothermia; the person may become unresponsive.
    • Indicates a life-threatening condition requiring urgent medical assistance.
    • First aid should focus on rewarming and calling for emergency help without moving the person excessively.