How to Treat Hypothermia

Hypothermia occurs when your body loses heat faster than it can produce heat. You can get hypothermia if you are exposed to cold weather or are immersed in a cold body of water, like a frozen lake or river. You can also get hypothermia if you are exposed to indoor temperatures below 50°F (10°C) for an extended period of time. The risk of developing hypothermia increases if you are exhausted or dehydrated. If left untreated, hypothermia can be life-threatening.[1]

Part 1
Part 1 of 3:

Recognizing the Symptoms of Hypothermia

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    Use a rectal, bladder, or mouth thermometer to check the person’s body temperature. The person’s body temperature is one of the most accurate ways to determine the severity of her condition. [2]
    • A person with mild hypothermia will have a body temperature of 90°F to 95°F or 32°C to 35°C.
    • A person with moderate hypothermia will have a body temperature of 82°F to 90°F or 28°C to 32°C.
    • A person with severe hypothermia will have a body temperature below 82°F or 28°C.
    • Often, a caregiver will notice if a person is suffering from symptoms of hypothermia, as the condition can cause poor judgement, confusion, and changes in behavior in the person. The affected person may not realize they have hypothermia and will need to be checked to confirm their condition.
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    Check for symptoms of mild hypothermia. These include:[3] [4]
    • Constant shivering.
    • Tiredness and low energy.
    • Cold or pale skin.
    • Hyperventilation. This is when the person has difficulty breathing or has shallow or muffled breathing.
    • The person may also have slurred speech and be unable to do basic tasks like pick up objects or move around the room.
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    Note any symptoms of moderate hypothermia. These include:[5] [6]
    • Confusion or drowsiness.
    • Tiredness and low energy.
    • Cold or pale skin.
    • Hyperventilation, and slow or shallow breathing.
    • A person with moderate hypothermia will usually stop shivering completely and may have slurred speech or poor judgement. They may try to shed his clothing even though they are cold. These are signs his condition is deteriorating and require immediate medical attention.
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    Get immediate medical attention if any symptoms are present. Even if the person is suffering from mild hypothermia, you should seek medical care for her right away. Mild hypothermia can turn into a more severe condition if it is not treated.[7] [8]
    • Bring the person to the hospital if they are unconscious and have a weak pulse. These are all signs of severe hypothermia. Someone with severe hypothermia may appear to be dead, but it’s important to call emergency services right away to determine if they are in a state of hypothermia and can still be treated. This is a life-threatening situation.
    • Medical treatment can still be used to resuscitate people with severe hypothermia, though it is not always successful.
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    Check your baby’s skin if you suspect he has hypothermia. Babies with hypothermia may look healthy, but their skin will feel cold, they may be unusually quiet, or refuse to feed.[9]
    • If you suspect your baby has hypothermia, call 911 to ensure he gets medical care right away.
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Part 2
Part 2 of 3:

Treating the Symptoms While Waiting for Medical Care

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    Call 911. No matter what type of hypothermia the person is experiencing, it's important to call 911 for immediate medical care. The first half hour after the person’s symptoms become clear are the most critical phase of hypothermia management. You can treat the person while you wait for the ambulance or medical professionals to arrive.[10]
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    Move the person out of the cold. Place her in a room-temperature spot indoors. If going indoors isn’t possible, protect the person from the wind with other clothing, especially around her neck and head.[11]
    • Use towels, blankets, or other clothing to protect the person from the cold ground.
    • Don’t let the person help in their own treatment, as this will only expend more of their energy and worsen their condition.
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    Remove any wet clothing. Replace their wet clothing with warm, dry clothing or blankets.[12]
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    Warm the person’s core up gradually. Avoid rewarming the person too quickly with a heating lamp or a hot bath. Instead, apply warm, dry compresses to the center of their body, on their neck, chest, and groin area.[13]
    • If you use hot water bottles or a hot pack, wrap them in a towel before applying them to these areas.
    • Do not attempt to warm his arms, hands, and legs. Heating or massaging these limbs can cause stress on his heart and lungs and could lead to other serious health issues.[14]
    • Do not try to warm up the person by rubbing his body with your hands. This will only irritate his skin and cause shock to his body.[15]
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    Give the person warm, sweet non-alcoholic drinks. Ask her if they can swallow before you offer them any liquids or food. Herbal tea that is caffeine-free or hot water with lemon and honey are good options. Sugar in the beverage can help to boost their energy. You can also offer them high energy foods like chocolate.[16]
    • Avoid giving the person alcohol as it will slow down the rewarming process. Don’t give them cigarettes or tobacco products. These products can interfere with their circulation and slow down the rewarming process.[17]
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    Keep the person warm and dry. Once the person’s body temperature has increased and some of his symptoms have lessened, keep him wrapped in dry, warm blankets or towels until medical help arrives.[18]
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    Perform CPR if the person shows no signs of life. If the person is not breathing, coughing, or moving around and their pulse has slowed down, you may need to perform CPR. To perform CPR correctly:[19]
    • Locate the center of the person’s chest. Identify the space between their ribs, a bone called the sternum.
    • Place the heel of one hand over the center of their chest. Put your other hand over the first and interlace your fingers. Keep your elbows straight and align your shoulders over your hands.
    • Begin compressions. Push down on the center of their chest as hard as possible. Pump at least 30 times, hard and fast. Do this to the rate of at least 100/minutes. You can pump to the beat of the disco hit “Stayin’ Alive” to maintain a steady rhythm. Allow the person’s chest to rise fully after every pump.
    • Tilt the person’s head back and lift their chin. Pinch their nose and cover their mouth with yours. Blow until you see their chest rise. Give two breaths. Each breath should take one second.
    • CPR is to be continued for a prolonged period. There have been reports of younger patients with severe hypothermia surviving an hour of CPR. If there is another person present, try switching off performing CPR so you don't become exhausted.
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Part 3
Part 3 of 3:

Getting Medical Attention

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    Let the medical attendant determine the severity of the person’s condition. Once the ambulance arrives, the emergency medical technician, or EMT, will assess the person’s condition.[20]
    • A person with mild to moderate hypothermia and no other injuries or issues will likely not need to be taken to the hospital. The EMT may recommend more home treatment, with gradual rewarming of the person. But a person with more severe hypothermia will need to be observed in the hospital.
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    Allow the medical attendant to perform CPR if necessary. If you have called for an ambulance and the person is unconscious or unresponsive, the emergency medical technician will likely perform CPR.[21]
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    Ask the doctor about a cardiopulmonary bypass if the hypothermia is severe. Once the person arrives at the hospital, speak to the doctor about possible treatment options, especially if the hypothermia is severe.
    • Cardiopulmonary bypass is when blood is withdrawn from the body, warmed up, and then returned to the body. This is also known as extracorporeal membranous oxygenation (ECMO).[22]
    • This technique is only available at major hospitals that have specialist emergency services or units that regularly perform heart surgery.
    • A person with severe hypothermia often stands a better chance of surviving if she is taken directly to one of these hospitals, even if it means bypassing a smaller hospital along the way. Alternatives to cardiopulmonary bypass include warmed iv fluids, chest tubes with warm irrigation, and/or warmed hemodialysis.
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References

  1. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-hypothermia/basics/ART-20056624
  2. ↑ http://www.medicinenet.com/hypothermia_extended_exposure_to_cold/page4.htm#what_is_the_treatment_for_hypothermia
  3. ↑ http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Hypothermia/Pages/Symptoms.aspx
  4. ↑ http://www.medicinenet.com/hypothermia_extended_exposure_to_cold/page2.htm#what_are_the_signs_and_symptoms_of_hypothermia
  5. ↑ http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Hypothermia/Pages/Symptoms.aspx
  6. ↑ http://www.medicinenet.com/hypothermia_extended_exposure_to_cold/page2.htm#what_are_the_signs_and_symptoms_of_hypothermia
  7. ↑ http://www.medicinenet.com/hypothermia_extended_exposure_to_cold/page2.htm#what_are_the_signs_and_symptoms_of_hypothermia
  8. ↑ http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Hypothermia/Pages/Symptoms.aspx
  9. ↑ http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Hypothermia/Pages/Symptoms.aspx
  1. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-hypothermia/basics/ART-20056624
  2. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-hypothermia/basics/ART-20056624
  3. ↑ http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Hypothermia/Pages/Treatment.aspx
  4. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-hypothermia/basics/ART-20056624
  5. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-hypothermia/basics/ART-20056624
  6. ↑ http://www.medicinenet.com/hypothermia_extended_exposure_to_cold/page4.htm#what_is_the_treatment_for_hypothermia
  7. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-hypothermia/basics/ART-20056624
  8. ↑ http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Hypothermia/Pages/Treatment.aspx
  9. ↑ http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Hypothermia/Pages/Treatment.aspx
  10. ↑ http://carrington.edu/blog/medical/how-to-perform-cpr/
  11. ↑ http://www.medicinenet.com/hypothermia_extended_exposure_to_cold/page4.htm#what_is_the_treatment_for_hypothermia
  12. ↑ http://www.medicinenet.com/hypothermia_extended_exposure_to_cold/page4.htm#what_is_the_treatment_for_hypothermia
  13. ↑ http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Hypothermia/Pages/Treatment.aspx

About This Article

Jonas DeMuro, MD
Medically reviewed by:
Jonas DeMuro, MD
Board Certified Critical Care Surgeon
This article was medically reviewed by Jonas DeMuro, MD. Dr. DeMuro is a board certified Pediatric Critical Care Surgeon in New York. He received his MD from Stony Brook University School of Medicine in 1996. He completed his fellowship in Surgical Critical Care at North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System and was a previous American College of Surgeons (ACS) Fellow. This article has been viewed 251,934 times.
44 votes - 75%
Co-authors: 41
Updated: January 21, 2022
Views: 251,934
Categories: Heat and Cold Injuries

Medical Disclaimer

The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment.

Article SummaryX

To treat hypothermia while waiting for medical care, start by moving the person out of the cold and placing them in a room-temperature spot indoors, or protecting them from the elements with other clothing around their head and neck. If they're wearing any wet clothing, replace them with warm, dry clothing or blankets. Next, apply warm, dry compresses to the center of their body, neck, and chest to warm them up gradually. Then, if they can swallow, give them warm, sweet drinks to help bring their temperature back up. For more tips from our Medical reviewer, including how to recognize the symptoms of hypothermia, keep reading!

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