Exposure to cold conditions can cause a person’s body temperature to drop, sometimes life-threateningly low. Knowing how to spot the signs of hypothermia and deliver fast and effective first aid is crucial. In this guide to hypothermia first aid, we discuss the signs of hypothermia, who’s at risk and how to provide first aid in an emergency.
What is hypothermia?
Hypothermia is a medical emergency that occurs when a person’s body temperature is below 35 C (normal body temperature is around 37 C). It’s often caused by prolonged exposure to cold weather or cold water. However, hypothermia can also develop in shorter exposures, especially for the elderly and children. Some medical conditions may make you more at risk too.
First aid for mild hypothermia involves gradually warming the body using thermal blankets, warm compresses and warm drinks. However, severe hypothermia requires urgent medical attention. A drop in core body temperature to 32 C or lower can be life threatening. Late stage hypothermia can put a person at risk of a cardiac arrest or coma.
Who is at risk of hypothermia?
Anyone can develop hypothermia when exposed to cold weather, but children and elderly people are more at risk. They might not be able to cope with the cold conditions as well. Infants can quickly become hypothermic in conditions that don’t affect adults.
A person is at higher risk of developing hypothermia if they:
- Have poor blood circulation or diabetes
- Have a chronic physical or mental disability
- Have an underlying infection
- Are thin or have low body fat
- Are wet for prolonged periods
- Are dehydrated or exhausted
- Are working, hiking or camping outdoors
- Are experiencing homelessness
Hypothermia first aid should be used whenever you suspect someone is losing body heat fast. For example, if someone is rescued from cold water, you should assume they have hypothermia.
How do you prevent hypothermia?
Check the weather before going out and avoid being out in extremely cold, wet or windy conditions. Don’t stay out too long in exposed weather and plan for breaks so you can warm up after being outside.
Always dress appropriately for the weather. That might include things like thermals, woollen socks, beanie, gloves and a wind-resistant jacket. Make sure children are dressed warmly and cover their heads with a hat or beanie when going out.
When at home, make sure your house is appropriately heated. Avoid alcohol, caffeine and cigarettes as these can make you more vulnerable to the cold.
What are the signs and symptoms of hypothermia?
In the early stages of mild hypothermia, the symptoms include:
- Feeling cold and shivering
- Slurred speech
- Shallow breathing
- Clumsiness and fatigue
- Confusion and memory loss
- Lack of motivation or irrational behaviour
The symptoms of severe hypothermia include:
- Shivering stops
- Slow heart rate – a pulse may be hard to find
- Loss of consciousness
Hypothermia in infants
Infants can experience rapid heat loss and are particularly at risk of developing hypothermia in cold temperatures. They may become hypothermic in conditions that don’t affect adults, such as sleeping in a cold room. Symptoms of hypothermia in infants can be muted and harder to spot than in older children or adults. Look for bright red skin that’s cold to touch, drowsiness or a lack of appetite.
Hypothermia first aid
If you suspect someone has hypothermia, follow the DRSABCD plan straight away. Call 000 for severe hypothermia or if the person is unresponsive.
Follow these hypothermia first aid steps:
- Move the person out of the cold. If you can’t go indoors, shelter them from the wind. Keep them in a horizontal position and don’t let them exert themselves.
- Insulate them from the ground by placing a rug or other warm surface underneath them.
- Remove any wet clothing. Wrap them in something warm and dry such as towels, blankets, clothing or a sleeping bag. Cover their head to prevent heat loss.
- Warm the person gradually. Apply a warm compress to the neck, chest and groin areas. Wrap them in an Aeroplast thermal blanket or electric blanket. Don’t apply hot water bottles directly to the skin.
- Offer the person warm drinks (not alcohol). Give them some energy boosting food to eat, such as chocolate.
- Call 000 if the hypothermia is severe. Start CPR if the person is unconscious or unresponsive.
Medical professionals may provide further warming measures such as giving IV fluids or warm, humid oxygen.
What not to do when someone is hypothermic
It’s important to rewarm a hypothermic person gradually as fast warming can lead to heart arrhythmias or cause the body to go into shock.
- Don’t use a radiant heat like a fire or electric heater.
- Don’t put the person in a hot bath.
- Don’t attempt to warm their arms and legs. Massaging arms and legs can stress the heart and lungs.
- Don’t rub the affected area.
- Don’t give them alcohol or cigarettes. These can inhibit the body’s ability to warm up.
Essential first aid equipment for treating hypothermia
If you work outdoors, are planning a hiking trip or care for someone who is vulnerable to the cold, it’s crucial to have the right hypothermia first aid equipment on hand. Hypothermia is a medical emergency and can be life threatening. Fast and effective first aid treatment can improve outcomes for the patient and may even save a life.
At LFA First Response, we stock a wide range of thermal protection products designed to provide fast and effective hypothermia first aid. These include:
- Blizzard heat casualty blanket – an extra large blanket that wraps around a casualty and seals with a self adhesive closure. Providing protection against hypothermia and reducing shock, this blanket is ideal for first responders and emergency rescue teams as well as outdoor worker first aid kits.
- Blizzard survival orange sleeping bag – a full-sized survival bag featuring a closed bottom and drawcord at the top for good weather protection. Completely waterproof and wind-proof, this is an ideal product for outdoor enthusiasts and search and rescue teams.
- Aeroplast thermal blanket – a standard emergency thermal blanket for treating trauma related shock and low body temperature. An essential item for all first aid kits, including school, workplace and home kits.
For more information about our hypothermia first aid stock or to place an order, give us a call on 1800 681 544.
