Frostnip is where the skin freezes and becomes red, white and painful. Frostnip most commonly happens to the patient’s extremities such as fingers, toes, ears and nose. This can be an early sign of frostbite, so it is essential to warm up those areas quickly. However, at this stage, calling the emergency medical services is […]
Understanding Hypothermia
Hypothermia results from prolonged exposure to cold environments, causing the body to lose heat faster than it can produce. Factors contributing to hypothermia include wet clothing, immersion in cold water, wind exposure, and inadequate clothing in cold weather. Elderly individuals and those with certain medical conditions are at higher risk.
Recognising Hypothermia Symptoms
Common signs and symptoms include:
- Uncontrollable shivering
- Disorientation and confusion
- Slurred speech
- Drowsiness or exhaustion
- Weak pulse
- Shallow breathing
- Loss of coordination
In severe cases, the individual may become unresponsive. It’s important to note that hypothermia can occur even in milder temperatures if a person becomes chilled from rain, sweat, or submersion in cold water. For a detailed overview of hypothermia symptoms, refer to the Cold Emergencies – Hypothermia page.
Immediate First Aid Response
If you suspect someone is experiencing hypothermia:
- Move to a Warmer Environment: Relocate the person to a sheltered area, away from wind and cold.
- Remove Wet Clothing: Gently take off any damp clothing to prevent further heat loss.
- Provide Warm, Dry Coverings: Wrap the individual in blankets, ensuring the head is covered, and use additional heat sources like warm water bottles placed on the chest, armpits, and groin. Avoid direct contact between heat sources and the skin to prevent burns.
- Offer Warm Beverages: If the person is conscious and able to swallow, provide warm, sweet, non-alcoholic drinks to help raise their core temperature.
- Avoid Rapid Rewarming: Do not use hot baths or direct heat, as rapid warming can cause dangerous heart rhythms.
- Monitor Vital Signs: Keep a close watch on their breathing and consciousness levels. If the person becomes unresponsive and is not breathing normally, commence cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) immediately. For guidance on performing CPR, visit the Adult CPR page.
- Seek Medical Assistance: Even if the person appears to recover, it’s essential to get professional medical evaluation, as complications can arise after rewarming.
Preventing Hypothermia
To reduce the risk of hypothermia:
- Dress Appropriately: Wear multiple layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing. Ensure the outer layer is waterproof and windproof.
- Stay Dry: Moisture significantly increases heat loss. Change out of wet clothing promptly and protect yourself from rain and snow.</
- Monitor Weather Conditions: Be aware of forecasts and avoid unnecessary exposure during extreme cold or wet conditions.
- Maintain Adequate Nutrition and Hydration: Eating well and staying hydrated helps maintain body heat.
- Avoid Alcohol Consumption: Alcohol can impair the body’s ability to regulate temperature and may increase heat loss.
Further Resources
Expand your knowledge on cold-related emergencies and first aid response:
- Frostnip and Frostbite: Prevention and Treatment
- The Recovery Position: How and When to Use It
- Understanding Shock and Its Management
- Essential First Aid Kit Contents
For comprehensive first aid training, consider enrolling in our First Aid at Work Annual Refresher (VTQ) course.
