Hypothermia is dangerously low body temperature, below 95 degrees Fahrenheit (35 degrees Centigrade).

People who are most likely to experience hypothermia include those who are:

• Very old or very young
• Chronically ill, especially with heart or circulation problems
• Malnourished
• Overly tired
• Under the influence of alcohol or other drugs

Hypothermia occurs when more heat is lost than the body can generate. It is usually caused by extended exposure to the cold.

Common causes include:

• Being outside without enough protective clothing in the winter.
• Falling overboard from a boat into cold water.
• Wearing wet clothing for an extended period of time in windy or very cold weather.
• Heavy exertion, not drinking enough fluids, or not eating enough in cold weather (even in above-freezing temperatures).

The symptoms usually begin slowly. As people develop hypothermia, their abilities to think and move are often lost slowly. In fact, they may even be unaware that they need emergency medical treatment. Someone with hypothermia is likely to have frostbite as well.

The symptoms include:

• Drowsiness
• Weakness and loss of coordination
• Pale and cold skin
• Confusion
• Uncontrollable shivering (although, at extremely low body temperatures, shivering may stop)
• Slowed breathing or heart rate

If not treated promptly, lethargy, cardiac arrest, shock, and coma can set in. Hypothermia can even be fatal.

1. If any symptoms of hypothermia are present, especially confusion or changes in mental status, immediately call your local emergency number (such as 911).
2. If the person is unconscious, check the airway, breathing, and circulation. If necessary, begin rescue breathing or CPR. If the victim is breathing at a rate of less than 6 breaths per minute, begin rescue breathing.
3. Take the person inside to an area at room temperature and cover him or her with warm blankets. If going indoors is not possible, get the person out of the wind and use a blanket to provide insulation from the cold ground. Cover the person's head and neck to help retain body heat.
4. Once inside, remove any wet or constricting clothes and replace them with dry clothing.
5. Warm the person. If necessary, use your own body heat to aid the warming. Apply warm compresses to the neck, chest wall, and groin. If the person is alert and can easily swallow, give warm, sweetened fluids (nonalcoholic) to aid in the warming process.
6. Stay with the person until medical help arrives.

• DO NOT assume that someone found lying motionless in the cold is already dead.
• DO NOT use direct heat (such as hot water, a heating pad, or a heat lamp) to warm the person.
• DO NOT give the person alcohol!

Call your local emergency number (such as 911) anytime you suspect someone has hypothermia. Give first aid while awaiting emergency assistance.

Before you spend time outside in the cold, DO NOT drink alcohol or smoke. Drink plenty of fluid and get adequate food and rest.

Wear proper clothing in cold temperatures to protect your body. These include:

• Mittens (not gloves)
• Wind-proof, water-resistant, many-layered clothing (like polypropylene)
• Two pairs of socks (cotton next to skin, then wool)
• Scarf and hat that cover the ears (to avoid major heat loss through the top of your head)

Avoid things that can contribute to hypothermia:

• Extremely cold temperature, especially with high winds
• Wet clothes
• Poor circulation, which is more likely from age, tight clothing or boots, cramped positions, fatigue, certain medications, smoking, alcohol, and diseases that affect the blood vessels (such as diabetes)

If caught in a severe snowstorm, find shelter as quickly as possible.