How do prevent hypothermia

If you skimp on either, you increase your risk for cold weather injuries such as hypothermia and frostbite. Eating foods with carbohydrates gives you quick energy. If you are only out for a short time, you may want to carry a snack bar to keep your energy going. If you are out all day skiing, hiking, or working, be sure to bring food with protein and fat as well to fuel you over many hours. Drink plenty of fluids before and during activities in the cold. You may not feel as thirsty in cold weather, but you still lose fluids through your sweat and when you breathe.

Be aware of the early signs of cold weather injuries. Frostbite and hypothermia can occur at the same time. The early stage of frostbite is called frostnip. Signs include:. To prevent more serious problems, take action as soon as you notice early signs of frostbite or hypothermia. You should call your health care provider or get medical help right away if you or someone in your party:. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Fast facts: protecting yourself from cold stress. Accessed October 29, Fudge J. Preventing and managing hypothermia and frostbite injury. Sports Health. PMID: pubmed. That way, if you get into trouble on your way, emergency responders will know where to look for your car. It's also a good idea to keep emergency supplies in your car in case you get stranded.

Supplies may include several blankets, matches, candles, a clean can where you can melt snow into drinking water, a first-aid kit, dry or canned food, a can opener, tow rope, booster cables, compass, and a bag of sand or kitty litter to spread for traction if you're stuck in the snow.

If possible, travel with a cellphone. If you're stranded, put everything you need in the car with you, huddle together and stay covered. Run the car for 10 minutes each hour to warm it up. Make sure a window is slightly open and the exhaust pipe isn't covered with snow while the engine is running. Water doesn't have to be extremely cold to cause hypothermia.

Any water that's colder than normal body temperature causes heat loss. The following tips may increase your survival time in cold water if you accidentally fall in:. For people most at risk of hypothermia — infants, older adults, people who have mental or physical problems, and people who are homeless — community outreach programs and social support services can be of great help. If you are at risk or know someone at risk, contact your local public health office for available services, such as the following:.

Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Hypothermia is a medical emergency that occurs when your body loses heat faster than it can produce heat, causing a dangerously low body temperature.

Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. What are the signs and symptoms of hypothermia? The following are warnings signs of hypothermia: Adults: Shivering Exhaustion or feeling very tired Confusion Fumbling hands Memory loss Slurred speech Drowsiness Babies: bright red, cold skin very low energy. If you are not able to get medical help right away, try to warm the person up. Get the person into a warm room or shelter. Remove any wet clothing the person is wearing.

You can also use skin-to-skin contact under loose, dry layers of blankets, clothing, towels, or sheets. Warm drinks can help increase body temperature, but do not give alcoholic drinks. Do not try to give beverages to an unconscious person. After body temperature has increased, keep the person dry and wrap their body, including their head and neck, in a warm blanket. Get the person proper medical attention as soon as possible. Perform CPR, even if the person appears dead.

CPR should continue until the person responds or medical aid becomes available. Keep warming the person while performing CPR. In some cases, hypothermia victims who appear to be dead can be successfully resuscitated. Top of Page. You may have a greater chance of developing frostbite if you have poor blood circulation are not properly dressed for extremely cold temperatures.

National Safety Council. Corneli HM, et al. Hypothermia in children: Clinical manifestations and diagnosis. Auerbach PS, et al. Accidental hypothermia. In: Auerbach's Wilderness Medicine. Elsevier; Walls RM, et al. Zafren K, et al.