Hypothermia Basics

The Basic Symptoms Of Hypothermia

The most typical symptoms of hypothermia are listed below in the general order of onset.

• Shivering

• Impaired Judgment

• Clumsiness

• Loss of Manual Dexterity

• Slurred Speech

• Inward Behavior, Withdrawal

• Shivering Stops

• Muscle Rigidity

• Unconsciousness

Mild Hypothermia

(Victim Shivering But Coherent):

If possible, take action before this stage. You may still have time to either stop the trip or take out early. Planning for an early take out and/or shuttle half way pays dividends.

Moderate Hypothermia

(Shivering May Decrease Or Stop):

• Victim may seem irrational with deteriorating coordination.

Severe Hypothermia

(Shivering May Have Stopped):

• Victim may resist help or be semiconscious or unconscious. 

• Victim Appears Dead

• (Little Or No Breathing, No Pulse, Body Rigid):

• Assume victim can still be revived.

Treatment Of Hypothermia

Mild Hypothermia

(Victim shivering but coherent):

• If possible, take action before this stage. You may still have time to either stop the trip or take out early. Planning for an early take out and/or shuttle half way pays dividends.

• Move victim to place of warmth. Remove wet clothes, give warm, sweet drinks; no alcohol or caffeine.

• Keep victim warm for several hours. The “window of opportunity” is closing fast.

• By this time you are already well on your way to experiencing hypothermia.

Moderate Hypothermia

(Shivering may decrease or stop):

• Victim may seem irrational with deteriorating coordination.

• Treat the same as above but no drinks.

• Victim should be kept lying down with torso, thighs, head and neck covered with dry clothes, coats or blankets to stop further heat loss.

• Seek medical attention immediately.

Severe Hypothermia

(Shivering may have stopped):

• Victim may resist help or be semiconscious or unconscious. Removed from water, victim must be kept prone, on back and immobile.

• Victim must be handled gently.

• Cover torso, thighs, head and neck with dry covers to stop further heat loss.

• Arms and legs must not be stimulated in any manner.

• Cold blood in extremities that suddenly returns to the core may induce cardiac arrest.

• Seek medical attention immediately.

Victim Appears Dead

(Little or no breathing, no pulse, body rigid):

• Assume victim can still be revived.

• Look for faint pulse or breathing for 2 minutes. If any trace is found, do not give CPR. It can cause cardiac arrest. Medical help is imperative. If pulse and breathing are totally absent, trained medical personnel should start CPR.

Acknowledgments: This in was adapted from information in the ACA video Cold, Wet and Alive, and from the article Off-Season Boating, Cold Shock, and Hypothermia by Charles A. Sutherland, Ph.D.

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