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Cold Weather-Related Health and Safety Tips (Hypothermia)

Hypothermia is a condition of abnormally low body temperature. Exposed to cold temperatures, your body begins to lose heat faster than it can be produced. Prolonged exposure to cold will eventually use up your body's stored energy. The result is hypothermia. Body temperature that is too low affects the brain, causing unclear thinking and inhibiting body movement. This could cause a person to not know what is happening and he or she won't be able to respond normally. In Wisconsin, many of us participate in outdoor activities throughout the fall, winter and early spring. We should all be aware of the potential symptoms of and treatment for hypothermia.

Hypothermia is most likely at very cold temperatures, but can occur at temperatures above 40o F if a person becomes chilled from rain, sweat, or submersion in cold water.

Victims of hypothermia are most often:

  • Older adults with inadequate food, clothing or heating.
  • Babies sleeping in cold bedrooms.
  • People who remain outdoors for long periods - unhoused, outdoor workers, hikers, hunters, etc.

Recognize the warning signs of hypothermia

  • Adults and Children: shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss, slurred speech and drowsiness.
  • Infants: bright red or cold skin, very low energy.

What to do

If you notice any of the signs mentioned above, take the person's temperature. If it's below 95oF, the situation is an emergency: Get medical attention immediately. If medical care is not available, begin warming the person, as follows:

  • Get the victim into a warm room or shelter.
  • If the victim has on any wet clothing, remove it.
  • Warm the center of the body first (chest, neck, head and groin) using an electric blanket, if available. Or use skin-to-skin contact under loose, dry layers of blankets, clothing, towels, or sheets.
  • Warm beverages can help increase the body temperature, but do not give alcoholic beverages. Do not try to give beverages to an unconscious person.
  • After body temperature has increased, keep the person dry and wrapped in a warm blanket, including the head and neck.
  • Get medical attention as soon as possible.

A person with severe hypothermia may be unconscious and may not seem to have a pulse or be breathing. In this case, handle the victim gently, and get emergency assistance immediately. Even if the victim appears dead, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) should be provided. CPR should be continued while the victim is being warmed, until the victim responds, or medical aid becomes available. In some cases, hypothermia victims who appear to be dead can be successfully resuscitated.

Taking preventive action

  • Have furnaces checked annually for efficient and safe operation before the heating season arrives.
  • Check on older relatives, friends and neighbors.
  • Monitor the rooms where infants sleep or spend periods of time.
  • When spending time outdoors, adults and children should dress warmly and stay dry. If doing strenuous outdoor activities, avoid wearing cotton since it takes a long time to dry and will sap your heat. Instead, use synthetic fabrics that wick moisture from your skin and dry quickly.
  • Layer clothing, preferably wind resistant, to reduce loss of body heat caused by the wind.
  • If traveling, tell relatives or friends where you are going and when you expect to return.
  • Do not ignore shivering, it's an important first sign that the body is losing heat. Persistent shivering is a signal to return indoors.

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Last revised November 18, 2024