How to Treat Mild Hypothermia

If you recognize someone as mildly hypothermic (see "How to Recognize and Assess Hypothermia"), begin treatment right away to prevent worsening of the condition. This could save his or her life.

Things You'll Need

• Fleece Jackets
• Waterproof Hats
• Waterproof Jackets
• Waterproof Mittens
• Waterproof Pants
• Wicking Underwear
• Wool Sweaters
• Wilderness First Aid Classes
• First Aid Kits
• Low-reading Body Thermometers
• Waterproof Gloves
• Camp-stove Fuels
• Camping Cookwares
• Camping Stoves
• Tents With Rain Fly
• Waterproof jackets

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Instructions

Prevention and Assessment

• 1

  Do everything in your power to prevent hypothermia before it occurs (see "How to Prevent Hypothermia").

• 2

  Assess the degree of hypothermia (see "How to Recognize and Assess Hypothermia").

• 3

  Treat for mild hypothermia, if that's what you diagnose.

Treatment

• 4

  Remove the affected person from the cold, wet and/or windy environment.

• 5

  Dry the person off, replacing wet clothing with dry clothing.

• 6

  Shelter the person however possible: in a cave, under an overhang, in an improvised shelter such as a tent or under a rain fly.

• 7

  Make sure he or she is wearing a dry hat: A large percentage of body-heat loss occurs through the head.

• 8

  Cover the neck with something dry: A lot of heat is also lost through the neck.

• 9

  Prepare a warm (not hot) beverage with your camp stove and have the hypothermic person drink it.

• 10

  Encourage the person to eat carbohydrate-rich foods.

• 11

  Encourage the person to move around, generating heat and helping with rewarming.