Severe Hypothermia

The signs and symptoms of severe hypothermia include the following:

• Shivering stops
• Exposed skin appears blue and puffy
• Very poor muscle coordination; muscle rigidity
• Stupor
• Inability to walk
• Decreased pulse and respiration rate
• Irregular heart rhythm
• Incoherent, irrational behavior
• Semi-conscious, drowsy
• Loss of awareness of others
• Amnesia, memory lapses

Severe hypothermia can lead to death. The most severe symptoms that can appear before death include erratic, shallow breathing; undetectable pulse; dilated pupils; cold, blue skin; and loss of consciousness.

To learn more about Cold Stress Safety visit our Cold Stress, Illness & Injury Safety Online Training web page.