When it gets cold outside and you’re outdoors for a long time, hypothermia can be a huge risk. As winter sports become more popular as temperatures drop, it’s important to keep warm when you’re outside for extended periods of time. Now, we’ve taken a look at not only the symptoms of hypothermia, but also how to treat it.

What is Hypothermia

Hypothermia is a medical emergency that occurs when your body loses heat faster than it can produce it. This, in turn, can cause a dangerously low body temperature.

A normal human body temperature usually is 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. When that body temperature drops past 95 degrees Fahrenheit, hypothermia occurs. This causes your heart, nervous system, and other organs to not work normally. Left untreated, hypothermia can lead to heart failure and respiratory system failure.

Symptoms of Hypothermia

If you happen to be outside for long periods of time in the winter, it’s important to know the symptoms of hypothermia. These include shivering, dizziness, hunger, nausea, faster breathing, trouble speaking, slight confusion, lack of coordination, fatigue, and increased heart rate. If someone has moderate to severe hypothermia, these symptoms can include shivering, clumsiness, slurred speech or mumbling, confusion and poor decision-making, drowsiness, lack of concern about one’s condition, progressive loss of consciousness, weak pulse, and shallow breathing.

If you see someone suffering from any of these symptoms, it’s important to treat it. This is especially the case since someone with hypothermia usually isn’t aware of his or her condition since the symptoms often begin gradually.

How to Treat Hypothermia

If someone you know is experiencing hypothermia, then immediately move the person indoors or somewhere warm. Once the person is in a warm environment, make sure to remove any wet clothing and dry them. You’ll also want to wrap them in warm blankets, towels or coats, and be sure to protect their head and torso first.

If possible, make sure to give the person a hot drink, as well. You should avoid putting a cold person into a hot bath, massaging their limbs, using heat lamps, or giving them alcohol. If the person is experiencing symptoms of severe hypothermia, you should immediate transport them to a hospital.

If you’re looking for survival gear supplies or just want a first aid kit for emergencies, then consider 1^st Aid Supplies. We have the gear you need to stay safe and warm during the winter.