Hypothermia is one of the most dangerous conditions you can face in the wilderness. Understanding how to prevent, recognize, and treat it could save a life.
Understanding Hypothermia
Hypothermia occurs when your body loses heat faster than it can produce it, causing your core body temperature to drop below 95°F (35°C).
Early recognition is crucial. Watch for these symptoms in yourself and others:
- Uncontrollable shivering
- Confusion and poor decision-making
- Slurred speech
- Loss of coordination
- Drowsiness or exhaustion
Stages of Hypothermia
"Mild
Symptoms:
- Intense shivering
- Impaired judgment
- Clumsiness
- Apathy
Treatment:
- Get to shelter immediately
- Remove wet clothing
- Insulate with dry layers
- Provide warm, sweet drinks (no alcohol or caffeine)
- Light exercise if able
"Moderate
Symptoms:
- Violent shivering stops
- Muscle stiffness
- Pale skin
- Paradoxical undressing
Treatment:
- Handle gently (cardiac risk)
- Passive rewarming only
- Insulate entire body
- No oral fluids
- Evacuate immediately
"Severe
Symptoms:
- Unconsciousness
- Cardiac arrest risk
- Appears dead
Treatment:
- Handle extremely gently
- No active rewarming in field
- Insulate to prevent further heat loss
- CPR if no pulse (continue longer than normal)
- Immediate evacuation
Prevention is Key
The best treatment for hypothermia is prevention:
- Dress in layers (avoid cotton)
- Stay dry
- Eat high-calorie foods regularly
- Stay hydrated
- Know when to turn back
- Carry emergency shelter
Emergency Rewarming Techniques
When evacuation isn’t immediately possible:
- Shelter First: Get out of wind and precipitation
- Insulation: Use sleeping bags, emergency blankets, extra clothing
- Body Heat: Skin-to-skin contact in sleeping bag (both in dry undergarments)
- Heat Sources: Chemical heat packs to trunk (not extremities)
- Monitor Continuously: Check pulse and breathing regularly
"Nobody is dead until they’re warm and dead" – Continue resuscitation efforts during evacuation. Severe hypothermia victims have survived after appearing clinically dead.
When to Evacuate
Any case of moderate to severe hypothermia requires immediate medical attention. Even mild hypothermia that doesn’t improve with field treatment needs professional evaluation.
Stay safe, stay warm, and always be prepared!