# Hypothermia

DO NOT rub affected areas.

DO NOT use radiant heat such as fire or electric heaters.

DO NOT give alcohol.

Signs and symptoms Mild

feeling cold

shivering

clumsiness and slurred speech

apathy and irrational behaviour

Severe

shivering ceases

difficult to find pulse

slow heart rate

loss of consciousness

What to do 1 Follow DRSABCD. 2 Move the patient to a warm, dry place. 3 Help the patient to lie down in a comfortable position. Handle the patient as gently as possible, avoiding excess activity and movement.

4 Remove any wet clothing from the patient. 5 Place the patient between blankets or in a sleeping bag, and wrap them in an emergency blanket. 6 Cover the patient’s head to maintain body heat. 7 Give the patient warm drinks if they are conscious. Do not give alcohol. 8 Place hot water bottles, heat packs and other sources of external heat directly on the patient’s neck, armpits and groin. Be careful to avoid burns. Body-to-body contact may be used if other means of rewarming are not available.

9 If hypothermia is severe, call triple zero (000) for an ambulance. 10 Stay with the patient until medical aid arrives.