Signs that can be observed by others:
 | Slowing of pace, drowsiness, fatigue |
| Stumbling| Thickness of speech | Amnesia | Irrationality, poor judgment | Hallucinations | Loss of perceptual contact with environment | Blueness of skin (cyanosis) | Dilation (enlargement) of pupils | Decreased heart and respiration rate | Stupor
|
|
Signs that can be felt or noticed by victim:
| Fatigue, drowsiness, exhaustion, unwillingness to go on| Feeling of deep cold or numbness | Poor coordination | Stumbling | |
Victim needs IMMEDIATE help if the following are present:
| Poor articulation of words| Disorientation | Decrease in shivering followed by rigidity of muscles | Cyanosis (blueness of skin) | Slowness of pulse, irregular or weak pulse
| |
Prevention
| Get adequate rest and maintain good nutrition before and during cold weather
activities. |
| Consume adequate high-energy foods and water during cold weather activities. |
| Use wind and water proof clothing. |
| Carry emergency bivouac (shelter) equipment |
| Make camp early in a storm, or if lost, injured, or tired. |
| Exercise to keep up the body's heat function. |
| Appoint an experienced person to watch the group for signs of hypothermia,
and ALWAYS adhere to the hypothermia watcher's decisions. |
| Carry proper clothing, footgear, and emergency equipment for the worst expected conditions. |
| Take IMMEDIATE corrective action for signs or symptoms of hypothermia. |
| To reduce heat loss |
| Shelter victim from wind and weather |
| Insulate victim from the ground |
| Change wet clothing |
| Put on windproof, waterproof gear |
| To add heat |
| Increase exercise, if possible |
| Put victim in pre-warmed sleeping bag or blankets |
| Give hot drinks, followed by candy or other high-sugar foods |
| Apply heat (warm water bottles, heat packs) to neck, armpits, groin. |
