Hypothermia: how to recognize it and react without panicking
We live in a country (Canada) where cold weather is a part of life for a good portion of the year. Outdoor excursions, working outside, car breakdowns in winter, sports, hiking... hypothermia doesn't just happen in the mountains, it can occur in very "normal" situations.
The problem is that it's often recognized too late. We think "I'm just cold, it'll pass," while the body is already beginning to lose control of its temperature.
What is hypothermia, in simple terms?
Basically, hypothermia occurs when the body's temperature drops below about 35°C (95°F).
From that point, the body has increasing difficulty functioning normally: muscles respond less effectively, the brain slows down, and the heart can become unstable.
This can happen in several situations: not wearing warm enough clothes, wet clothes, cold wind, falling into cold water, prolonged outdoor exposure, being tired or weakened, etc.
Signs of hypothermia to watch out for
At first, it just feels like "I'm really cold." Then, more signals appear. Here are some important signs to observe, in yourself or in someone else:
Severe shivering
The body begins to shake to produce heat. When someone shivers uncontrollably without being able to warm up, it's no longer just simple discomfort.
Cold, pale, or slightly bluish skin
The body restricts blood flow to the skin, hands, feet, and nose to retain heat in the core.
Fatigue, discomfort, difficulty concentrating
The person becomes slow, less alert, has trouble following a conversation, or making logical decisions.
Clumsy movements
They have trouble buttoning a coat, holding an object, or walking normally.
Slurred or strange speech
They start to speak as if they are exhausted or a little drunk.
In more advanced cases, shivering may stop, the person becomes very drowsy, and may then lose consciousness. At that point, it's a life-threatening emergency.
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What to do if you suspect hypothermia
As soon as you have a doubt, act. It's better to intervene early than too late.
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Get the person to shelter
If possible, go indoors. Otherwise, find the most sheltered spot from wind and moisture. -
Remove wet clothing
Remove wet clothes and replace them with dry clothing, blankets, a coat, a sleeping bag... anything that helps retain heat. -
Gently warm them up
Focus on covering the torso (chest, stomach, back). You can use blankets, an emergency blanket, or dry towels.
If the person is fully awake and can swallow without difficulty, offer a warm, non-alcoholic drink. -
Monitor breathing and consciousness
If the person becomes very confused, doesn't respond normally, breathes slowly, or seems to want to "sleep" despite the cold, consider it serious. -
Call emergency services
In case of significant doubt, discomfort, loss of consciousness, or worrying signs, call emergency medical services. Do your best while waiting for them to arrive, but you are not alone.
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How to avoid reaching that point
We can't control the weather, but we can prepare for it.
Dressing in layers, keeping your head, hands, and feet well-protected, avoiding staying in wet clothes for too long, and having a small emergency kit in the car or when out and about are simple actions that significantly reduce the risk.
Some people are more vulnerable: the elderly, children, tired people, and those under the influence of alcohol or certain medications. With them, we pay extra attention.
Why first aid training makes a real difference?
Hypothermia is one of those situations where you can quickly feel overwhelmed if you've never been trained.
The good news is that with basic training, you learn to:
-recognize emergency signs more quickly
-react without panicking
-protect the person while waiting for help
At SuperMedic, we equip individuals and organizations with both first aid supplies and training adapted to everyday realities: work, family, outdoor activities, travel, etc.
See our first aid training with SuperMedic
A message from our emergency care expert:
"Hypothermia is a medical condition that occurs when body temperature drops below normal (35 degrees C and below), which can lead to serious health problems. This can happen due to prolonged exposure to cold, immersion in cold water, or other factors.
Treatment for hypothermia depends on the severity of the condition, but it is important to treat it quickly to avoid potentially serious complications. The first step is to slowly warm the body by wrapping the person in a warm blanket or providing a heat source. It is also important to change wet clothes for dry, warm clothes.
In cases of severe hypothermia symptoms, such as confusion, unconsciousness, or slow breathing, it is crucial to transport the person to the hospital immediately. Due to potential complications, hypothermia should always be taken seriously and treated quickly to minimize health risks.
In conclusion, hypothermia can be a serious condition, but fortunately, it can be easily treated by taking the necessary steps to warm the body. By remaining aware of the importance of hypothermia prevention and treatment, you can protect your health and stay healthy at all times."
Steeve Marcoux, MBA
Emergency care expert