Hypothermia First Aid Treatment

If you're helping a person with hypothermia, handle the victim gently. Limit movements to only those that are necessary. Do not massage or rub the victim as excessive, vigorous, or jarring movements may trigger cardiac arrest.

First aid treatment of hypothermia depends on the severity. For mild hypothermia, first aid treatment includes the following:

• Move the victim to a warm environment. If you are unable to move the victim out of the cold, shield him or her from the cold and wind as much as possible.
• If applicable, remove wet clothes from the victim and replace them with dry clothing.
• Cover the victim with layers of dry blankets or coats. Cover the victim's head, but leave the face exposed.
• Provide a warm, sweet beverage.
• Seek medical assistance for evaluation.

First aid treatment for moderate to severe hypothermia includes the previous recommendations as well as the following:

• Seek emergency assistance immediately.
• Monitor the victim's breathing. A person with severe hypothermia may appear unconscious with no apparent signs of a pulse or breathing. If the victim's breathing has stopped or appears dangerously low or shallow, begin CPR immediately if you're trained.
• Share body heat by making skin-to-skin contact with the victim and keeping both of your bodies covered with blankets.
• Use warm, dry, first aid compresses applied to the neck, chest, or groin. Do not apply warm compresses to the arms or legs. This will draw cold blood back toward the vital organs, which could be fatal.
• Do not apply direct heat, such as from a heating pad, heating lamp, or hot water. The extreme heat can damage the skin or cause irregular heartbeats.

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