Hypothermia

Overview

Hypothermia is a dangerous drop in body temperature below 35°C (normal body temperature is around 37°C). 

It's a medical emergency that needs to be treated in hospital.

Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms of hypothermia include:

• shivering
• pale, cold and dry skin – skin and lips may turn blue or grey (on black or brown skin this may be easier to see on the palms of the hands or the soles of the feet)
• slurred speech
• slow breathing
• tiredness or confusion

A baby with hypothermia may be:

• cold to touch
• floppy
• unusually quiet and sleepy and may refuse to feed

Immediate First Aid Steps

If you think someone has hypothermia, there are things you can do while waiting for medical help:

Do:

• move the person indoors or somewhere sheltered as quickly as possible
  
• remove any wet clothing, wrap them in a blanket, sleeping bag or dry towel, making sure their head is covered
• give them a warm non-alcoholic drink and some sugary food like chocolate if they're fully awake
• keep them awake by talking to them until help arrives
• make sure you or someone else stays with them

There are things you should not do because they will not help and could make things worse.

Don’t:

• do not use a hot bath, hot water bottle or heat lamp to warm them up
• do not rub their arms, legs, feet or hands
• do not give them alcohol to drink

When To Seek Medical Help

Call an ambulance or seek immediate medical help (e.g. Emergency Department) if:

• you think you or your child have hypothermia

Do not drive yourself to the Emergency Department. Ask someone to drive you or call an ambulance instead.

Treatment In Hospital

If you have hypothermia, you’ll usually be treated in hospital.

Your heart rate will be monitored and you may be given oxygen to help you breathe.

You may also be given warm fluids straight into a vein to help your body warm up.

Treatment in intensive care may be needed if you have severe hypothermia.

Causes

Hypothermia happens when you get too cold and your body temperature drops below 35°C.

You can get hypothermia if you:

• do not wear enough clothes in cold weather
• stay out in the cold too long
• fall into cold water
• have wet clothes and get cold
• live in a cold house – older people living alone are particularly at risk