Hypothermia

Hypothermia occurs when the deep body (core) temperature falls below 35° C. The body can pass through various stages when suffering from hypothermia, ranging from mild to life-threatening. Infants and the elderly are at a greater risk of hypothermia.

Signs and symptoms

The following table outlines the signs of hypothermia.

Management

1. Send for help and additional resources (warm blankets and drinks, AED).
2. Monitor their condition while warming the person:
   • place the person in a warm, wind-protected environment—on an insulating blanket or towel if available
   • remove wet clothing when the warm blanket arrives and dry the person
   • wrap the person’s body, head and neck (not the face) in a dry emergency thermal blanket or dry towel
   • encourage the person to curl up into a ball to maintain heat and prevent heat loss
   • give them sips of warm sweet drinks when conscious—not alcohol, caffeine or energy drinks
   • apply external heat source—body-to-body warmth or heat packs to the sides of the neck, the armpits and the groin, where large arteries are close to the surface
   • if their condition deteriorates, request an ambulance for severe and life-threatening hypothermia.

• You may permit a conscious person with mild hypothermia (‘feeling cold’) to have a warm shower under supervision and advise them to inform you if they begin to feel dizzy. Showers have the added risk of ‘re-warming collapse’ because of low blood pressure.
• Refer to the latest ARC Guideline for Hypothermia to learn more.

Note for lifesavers on patrol

Lifesavers are often required to spend extended periods of time in cold-weather conditions.

Plan ahead for the cold and avoid experiencing hypothermia by:

• wearing warm protective clothing when on patrol
• wearing a wetsuit when in cold water
• leaving the water when you feel cold or start to shiver
• curling into a ball to help prevent heat loss if unable to leave the water (remember the mnemonic ‘HELP’ (Heat Escape Lessening Posture).