How to Recognize and Assess Hypothermia
Watch to see if the person is shivering., Listen for slurred speech. , Determine if the person has lost any coordination., Watch to see if a person becomes apathetic and does not take care of himself., Pay attention for signs of drowsiness., Ask the...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Watch to see if the person is shivering.
Oftentimes this is one of the first signs of hypothermia, and it will progressively get worse to the point of convulsions.
Shivering subsides once severe hypothermia sets in. -
Step 2: Listen for slurred speech.
, Those with mild hypothermia may not be able to tie a shoe or zip up a coat.
However, the lack of coordination can progress until the victim is unable to move without falling down.
Joints and muscles may also stiffen as hypothermia sets in, making any movement difficult and sometimes painful. , If a person removes clothing in frigid temperatures, it is a clear sign of hypothermia. , In severe cases of hypothermia, an individual will often lose consciousness. ,, Frost nip will set in first, giving the skin a red hue.
The skin will turn more blue and purple as frost nip turns into frostbite. ,, As hypothermia first takes a hold, a person's pulse will be faster.
More severe cases can decrease respiration, making the pulse slower.
Breathing will also be shallow. , A core temperature of
96.8 degrees Fahrenheit to
93.2 (36 to 34 degrees Celsius) indicates mild hypothermia;
93.2 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit (or 34 to 30 degrees Celsius) indicates moderate hypothermia; and a core temperature of 86 degrees Fahrenheit or below (or less than 30 degrees Celsius) is considered severe. -
Step 3: Determine if the person has lost any coordination.
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Step 4: Watch to see if a person becomes apathetic and does not take care of himself.
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Step 5: Pay attention for signs of drowsiness.
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Step 6: Ask the person if she is experiencing any tingling sensations or numbing in parts of the body that may wet or directly exposed to the elements.
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Step 7: Check the condition of the person's skin.
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Step 8: Observe whether the individual appears to be irrational or confused.
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Step 9: Take the individual's pulse and determine if it's rapid or slower.
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Step 10: Take the body's core temperature with a rectal thermometer.
Detailed Guide
Oftentimes this is one of the first signs of hypothermia, and it will progressively get worse to the point of convulsions.
Shivering subsides once severe hypothermia sets in.
, Those with mild hypothermia may not be able to tie a shoe or zip up a coat.
However, the lack of coordination can progress until the victim is unable to move without falling down.
Joints and muscles may also stiffen as hypothermia sets in, making any movement difficult and sometimes painful. , If a person removes clothing in frigid temperatures, it is a clear sign of hypothermia. , In severe cases of hypothermia, an individual will often lose consciousness. ,, Frost nip will set in first, giving the skin a red hue.
The skin will turn more blue and purple as frost nip turns into frostbite. ,, As hypothermia first takes a hold, a person's pulse will be faster.
More severe cases can decrease respiration, making the pulse slower.
Breathing will also be shallow. , A core temperature of
96.8 degrees Fahrenheit to
93.2 (36 to 34 degrees Celsius) indicates mild hypothermia;
93.2 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit (or 34 to 30 degrees Celsius) indicates moderate hypothermia; and a core temperature of 86 degrees Fahrenheit or below (or less than 30 degrees Celsius) is considered severe.
About the Author
James Webb
Writer and educator with a focus on practical cooking knowledge.
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