First Aid for Hypothermia

Hypothermia (colder than normal body temperature) and can happen to anyone who is not properly protected from the cold. When the body temperature falls below 95 degrees Fahrenheit, hypothermia sets in. (Normal body temperature is 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit.)
In the early stages, hypothermia may cause memory loss, confusion and shivering. Eventually, a low body temperature may cause cardiac arrest and death.
Signs of hypothermia include slurred speech, reduced coordination, shivering and poor judgment. An infant may appear to be less active.

1. Have the person take off wet clothes and put on dry clothes.
2. Wrap them in blankets to warm them up gradually.
3. If the person starts shivering, don't try to stop them. This is the body's way of warming itself up.

• Avoid exposure to severe cold weather. Stay indoors unless you must go out.
• Dress in several layers of protective, waterproof clothing. Be sure to cover all exposed areas (head, ears, hands, neck). The head and neck loose heat more quickly than other parts of the body.
• Come inside if you feel cold.
• Drinking alcohol can reduce body temperature. When exposed to cold weather, this can cause mild hypothermia.