First Aid for Hypothermia

Despite it having been unseasonably warm we are undoubtedly heading towards Hypothermia season. This blog is about First Aid for Hypothermia – how to recognise it and what to do if you suspect it.

It can be difficult to recognise hypothermia as often the person suffering may not realise that they have it. So what might you notice?

Let’s start with mild hypothermia 32-35°c, the signs include:-

Fast breathing – hyperventilating
Pale or cold skin
Constant shivering
Lack of energy
Tiredness

So what do you do if you suspect it? Treatment for mild hypothermia

Get them inside somewhere warm as soon as possible, if you can
If outside protect them from the cold with insulating blankets and survival bags, try and protect them from the ground too
Remove wet clothing once inside and dry them (carefully and gently), if outside but you can shelter them remove wet clothing and quickly replace with dry, warm garments
Wrap them in warm blankets or what ever you have, covering the head and torso
If they can swallow normally give them hot drinks (not alcohol) and high energy foods
Use your body heat – hugging them to warm them
If they can shiver encourage them to do so

Handle them gently and carefully, vigorous movement can make them worse. Make sure you call 999 or 112 if you suspect hypothermia. If you think you need Mountain Rescue or Cave Rescue ask for them specifically.

Signs of moderate hypothermia 28-32°c:-

As the temperature drops the body slows down, heart rate and breathing can slow down. They may become very quiet and still making them seem better than they are. Signs to look out for are:-

Drowsiness
Slurred speech
Shallow or slow breathing – hypo-ventilation
Lack of co-ordination, difficulty moving around
Poor judgement, unable to think or pay attention
Confusion
Shivering may have stopped

What to do for moderate hypothermia?

As well as those things listed above, there are additional things to do if they are unconscious:-

Open the airway and check breathing if they’re unconscious. If they’re not breathing start resuscitation
Call 999 or 112 for help
If breathing gently place them into the recovery position but do not move them unnecessarily as any sudden jolt can stop their heart
Constantly monitor breathing whilst waiting for help.
Keep them warm with blankets, cover the head and torso especially and you can also share body heat

Things to avoid:-

Don’t give them alcohol
Don’t use direct sources of heat eg hot water bottles, hot baths
Don’t move them unnecessarily as the slightest jolt can stop the heart
Don’t massage or rub them

Prevention is always better than cure

Make sure that you’re wearing appropriate clothing and if you’re out walking make sure you have the appropriate equipment with you. If you exercise to the point of sweating when it’s cold make sure that when you stop you change into dry clothes as you will lose more body heat in wet clothes.

Look out for your elderly and poorly neighbours as well, and check they’re keeping warm and eating and drinking normally.

The Good News

People have been rescued after hours of hypothermia. Therefore use your First Aid and get emergency help if you suspect it.

Please comment

I’m sure lots of you will have personal stories and hints and tips on how to spot it, if you do please share them below.

Photo Credit: fRandi-Shooters via Compfight cc

First Aid for Hypothermia