How to Treat Hypothermia

Hypothermia occurs when the body's core temperature dips dangerously below the normal temperature of 98.6 degrees F. A core temperature of 95 degrees or below indicates hypothermia and requires treatment. It is important to know the symptoms of this condition, as it is not isolated to extremely cold weather. Swimming in cold water or exposure to excessive wind or dampness can also trigger a decrease in body temperature.

Instructions

• 1

  Determine if a person is suffering from hypothermia by observing them carefully. Indications include shivering, pale skin or skin that feels cold to the touch. Also watch for other signs, like a change in mood, sudden irritability, lethargy or confusion. It is important to understand that the victim (especially children or the elderly) may not even be aware that they are hypothermic.

• 2

  Re-warm the victim as soon as you suspect hypothermia has occurred. Monitor his pulse and breathing while you are treating him. Re-warm by first getting the victim out of the elements. If you are away from any type of shelter, get out of the wind and try to find a sunny spot. Create a shelter, if possible.

• 3

  Remove any frozen or wet clothing from the victim and replace it with dry coverings. Even a dry blanket is better that wet clothing. Body heat also helps. Put another person in the blanket or sleeping bag with the victim to help bring the core temperature of the body back to normal.

• 4

  Use a lukewarm bath if you are indoors. Do not use a hot bath. Provide the victim with warm beverages that do not include alcohol, as that will drop the body's temperature. Sweetened drinks work even more effectively, because the sugar helps with warming.

• 5

  Use heaters and blankets if you are dealing with an unconscious victim, and monitor pulse and breathing even more frequently than if the victim is conscious. Perform CPR if the victim stops breathing or you cannot locate a pulse.

• 6

  Call for medical help or transport the victim to a medical facility as soon as possible. As with all medical conditions, first aid can be life saving, but professional medical attention is necessary and is the best treatment.