Hypothermia

There are many factors that increase the risk of hypothermia. Getting lost in the terrain, collapsing or passing out in snow, many illnesses, or ending up in cold water may cause the body to cool rapidly.

A person lying on the floor indoors can also become hypothermic if they cannot move. Old age, poor general health, dehydration and intoxicants may increase the risk of hypothermia.

When should you suspect hypothermia?

Always consider the possibility of hypothermia if a person is found outdoors in the cold, has been lying immobile for a long time, e.g. on the floor of their home following an accident, or has been exposed to cold water.

If exposure to the cold continues and heat loss cannot be prevented, the symptoms will worsen over time and may become life threatening quite quickly. Cold water, for example, cools the skin many times faster than cold air, and the functional ability of a person exposed to cold water will be decreased within a few minutes. 

Symptoms

The occurrence of the symptoms of hypothermia depends on how low the body temperature has fallen.

Mild hypothermia

• Body temperature: 35–32°C
• Symptoms: 
  • feeling cold, shivering and tremors
  • cold and pale skin
  • full level of consciousness
  • restlessness, feeling cold

Moderate hypothermia

• Body temperature: 32–28°C
• Symptoms:
  • Shivering stops
  • Confusion, drowsiness
  • Reduced judgement
  • Decreased level of consciousness

Severe hypothermia

• Body temperature: below 28°C
• Symptoms:
  • Unconsciousness
  • Arrhythmia
  • Respiratory and cardiac arrest are possible
  • Muscle stiffness

First aid

The first aid procedures and need for them depend on the severity of the case of hypothermia.

If the person is conscious and able to move around unaided

• Find out what has happened and how long the person has been exposed to the cold.
• Check whether the person you are helping is oriented to time and place.
• Take the person to a warm and dry place, if possible. Try to protect them from the wind and moisture.
• Prevent further cooling by keeping the person moving.

If the person you are helping is disoriented or is still exposed to the cold and you are unable to keep them warm, call the emergency number 112.

If the person is unconscious and unable to move unaided

• Call the emergency number 112 immediately.
• Avoid moving them unnecessarily.
• If you can feel that they are breathing, turn them to the recovery position and cover them carefully.
• Make sure the airways remain clear and wait for the emergency medical care personnel to arrive. 
• Monitor their breathing.

Always start cardiopulmonary resuscitation if you are unsure whether the person is breathing.

Prevent hypothermia and make sure you’re properly equipped for cold conditions. Further information can be found on the website of the Finnish Swimming Teaching and Lifesaving Federation.