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Civilian Emergency Platform
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — A person exposed to cold is shivering, confused, clumsy, or has stopped shivering.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — NOT EXPERT REVIEWED — NOT FOR PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Shivering, slurred speech, confusion, clumsiness.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Paradoxical undressing or stopped shivering in severe cases.
Scene hazards: Cold water nearby, Cardiac arrhythmia if handled roughly
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.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Call 112 for altered mental status, unconsciousness, or suspected cardiac issues.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Say hypothermia and outdoor exposure duration.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Severe hypothermia needs controlled hospital rewarming.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Monitor breathing — CPR if not breathing, even if pulse feels slow.
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.
MYTH: DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Rubbing cold limbs warms a hypothermic person fast
REALITY: DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Rubbing sends cold blood to the heart and can cause fatal arrhythmia.
DANGER: DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Cardiac arrest from rough rewarming.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Core body temperature drops below 35°C.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Shivering stops in moderate-severe hypothermia — a bad sign.