Hypothermia is a medical condition that occurs when your body loses heat faster than it can produce heat, resulting in a dangerously low body temperature. Normal body temperature is around 98.6°F (37°C), but if your body temperature falls below 95°F (35°C), you have hypothermia.
Symptoms of hypothermia include:
- Shivering
- Slurred speech
- Slow, shallow breathing
- Weak pulse
- Drowsiness or confusion
- Lack of coordination
- Loss of consciousness
If you suspect someone has hypothermia, it’s important to act quickly to try to raise their body temperature. Here’s what to do:
- Move the person out of the cold and into a warm place.
- Remove any wet clothing and dry the person off.
- Cover the person with blankets, towels, or other warm materials.
- Warm the person’s chest, neck, head, and groin area using an electric blanket, if available, or your own body heat. Be sure to use caution when using an electric blanket to avoid the risk of burns.
- Give the person warm beverages, but not alcohol.
- Seek medical attention as soon as possible.
It’s important to note that hypothermia can be life-threatening, so it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible if you suspect someone has hypothermia.