Guidance

Hypothermia occurs when the body’s temperature drops from the usual healthy 99F (37°C) to below 95 (35°C).

A drop in body temperature to 90F (32°C) or lower can be life threatening.

Hypothermia can be caused if you spend time in air below 50F (10°C), or in water below 68F (20°C).

Symptoms

– Shivering uncontrollably

Cool, pale skin

– Clumsy and walk unsteadily

– Confused and drowsy

– Slow breathing

– Dilated pupils

Treatment

If you suspect someone has hypothermia, contact emergency services immediately.

Move them to somewhere warm.

Take off any wet clothes.

Warm their head, neck, chest and groin with blankets or wrapped hot water bottles, or get someone warm to hold them.

Keep them still.

Give them warm drinks, not alcohol.

If the person becomes unconscious, follow the Basic Life Support Action Plan DRSABCD.