Need help right now?
If someone needs immediate help with hypothermia, use emergency mode.
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DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — A person exposed to cold is shivering, confused, clumsy, or has stopped shivering.
The essentials if you need to act right now.
Shelter. Dry blankets. Warm drink if awake. Call 112 if confused.
What might I see? Observable signs — no diagnosis required.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Shivering, slurred speech, confusion, clumsiness.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Paradoxical undressing or stopped shivering in severe cases.
Optional deeper explanation — not required to act.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Core body temperature drops below 35°C.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Shivering stops in moderate-severe hypothermia — a bad sign.
Check the scene before you approach.
Civilian-safe actions you can take.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Move indoors or sheltered area. Handle gently.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Remove wet clothes. Wrap in dry layers including head.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Add insulation under and over body — sleeping bags, blankets.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Warm drinks with sugar if alert — no alcohol.
When and how to get professional help.
Confusion, unconsciousness, or rigid muscles need emergency rewarming.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Gentle passive rewarming. Do not rub limbs or use hot water on skin.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Call 112 for altered mental status, unconsciousness, or suspected cardiac issues.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Say hypothermia and outdoor exposure duration.
Dangerous actions, when not to attempt rescue, and common myths.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT rub arms and legs — can trigger heart arrhythmia.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT use hot bath or direct heat on cold skin.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Rubbing cold limbs warms a hypothermic person fast
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Rubbing sends cold blood to the heart and can cause fatal arrhythmia.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Cardiac arrest from rough rewarming.
Other scenarios in the same family.
Cold water rescue
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — A person was submerged or immersed in cold water and is cold, confused, or not breathing.
Decompression sickness
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — After scuba diving or rapid altitude change, a person has joint pain, rash, weakness, confusion, or breathing trouble.
Heatstroke
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — A person exposed to extreme heat has hot dry skin, confusion, seizure, or unconsciousness.
Lightning strike
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — A person was struck by lightning or found near a strike. They may be unresponsive or have burns.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Severe hypothermia needs controlled hospital rewarming.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Monitor breathing — CPR if not breathing, even if pulse feels slow.