Hypothermia
Symptoms
The symptoms of hypothermia depend on how cold the environment is and how long you are exposed for.
Severe hypothermia needs urgent medical treatment in hospital. Shivering is a good guide to how severe the condition is. If the person can stop shivering on their own, the hypothermia is mild, but if they cannot stop shivering, it is moderate to severe.
Mild cases
In mild cases, symptoms include:
- shivering
- feeling cold
- low energy
- cold, pale skin
Moderate cases
The symptoms of moderate hypothermia include:
- violent, uncontrollable shivering
- being unable to think or pay attention
- confusion (some people don't realise they are affected)
- loss of judgment and reasoning
- difficulty moving around or stumbling (weakness)
- feeling afraid
- memory loss
- fumbling hands and loss of coordination
- drowsiness
- slurred speech
- listlessness and indifference
- slow, shallow breathing and a weak pulse
Severe cases
The symptoms of severe hypothermia include:
- loss of control of hands, feet, and limbs
- uncontrollable shivering that suddenly stops
- unconsciousness
- shallow or no breathing
- weak, irregular or no pulse
- stiff muscles
- dilated pupils