Hypothermia
Signs and Symptoms
Mild hypothermia (98 - 90° F)
- Shivering
- Lack of coordination, stumbling, fumbling hands
- Slurred speech
- Memory loss
- Pale, cold skin
Moderate hypothermia (90 - 86° F)
- Shivering stops
- Unable to walk or stand
- Confused and irrational
Severe hypothermia (86 - 78° F)
- Severe muscle stiffness
- Very sleepy or unconscious
- Ice cold, blue skin
- Death
What to do (proper treatment depends on severity)
Mild hypothermia
- Move to warm area.
- Stay active.
- Remove wet clothes and replace with dry clothes or blankets, cover the head.
- Drink warm (not hot) sugary drink; avoid alcohol.
Moderate hypothermia
All of the above, plus:
- Call 911.
- Cover all extremities completely.
- Place very warm objects, such as hot packs or water bottles on the victim's head, neck, chest and groin.
Severe hypothermia
- Call 911 for an ambulance.
- Treat the victim very gently.
- Do not attempt to re-warm -- the victim should receive treatment in a hospital.
Frostbite
Signs and symptoms
- Cold, tingling, stinging or aching feeling in the frostbitten area, followed by numbness.
- Skin colr turns red, then purple, then white or very pale and is cold to the touch.
- Blisters in severe cases.
What to do
- Call 911.
- Do not rub the area.
- Wrap in soft cloth.
- If help is delayed, immerse in warm, not hot, water.
Trench Foot
Signs and Symptoms
- Tingling, itching or burning sensation.
- Blisters.
What to do
- Soak feet in warm water, then wrap with dry cloth bandages.
- Drink a warm, sugary drink.