What is hypothermia?

Hypothermia occurs when your body's temperature drops from a healthy 37°C to below 35°C. A drop in body temperature to 32°C or lower can be life threatening.

What are symptoms of hypothermia?

People with mild hypothermia feel cold. They may also:

• be shivering uncontrollably
• have cool, pale skin
• be clumsy and walk unsteadily
• be confused and drowsy

People with severe hypothermia might have stopped shivering. They might:

• breathe slowly
• have a slow heart rate
• have dilated pupils
• be in a coma

They might even look like they are dead.

If you suspect someone has hypothermia, call triple zero (000) for an ambulance immediately.

CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS — Use the Symptom Checker and find out if you need to seek medical help.

What causes hypothermia?

You may get hypothermia if you spend time in air below 10°C, or in water below 20°C. Some medical conditions can make people susceptible to hypothermia.

If you are exposed to prolonged cold conditions, whether outdoors or in an unheated house, you can get hypothermia. You are at greater risk if you are:

• elderly
• very young
• underweight
• in poor health

How is hypothermia treated?

If you suspect someone has hypothermia:

• move them to somewhere warm
• take off any wet clothes
• warm their head, neck, chest and groin with blankets or wrapped hot water bottles, or get someone warm to hold them
• keep them still
• give them warm drinks, but not alcohol
• if you are concerned, take them straight to hospital

Don't make them exert themselves. Don’t use direct heat (such as hot water). Don’t rub them vigorously.

If they look like they're dead, don't assume they are dead. Call triple zero (000) for an ambulance, and give CPR.

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How can hypothermia be prevented?

You can reduce your risk of hypothermia by:

• checking the weather forecast
• limiting the amount of time you spend outdoors in the cold
• planning 'warm-up' breaks
• dressing warmly, including wearing a wind resistant jacket, gloves and a hat
• avoiding alcohol, caffeine and cigarettes, which can make you more sensitive to cold
• asking your doctor if your medication can make you susceptible to cold
• try to make sure your home is well heated

This is important if you:

• live or work outdoors in a cold climate
• are planning a camping or hiking trip in the cold

Young children and babies can lose body heat more quickly than adults. This is because they have less muscle mass. Limit their exposure to extreme cold weather. Make sure you cover their heads when they are outside in the cold weather.

What are the complications of hypothermia?

Hypothermia can lead to death. Call triple zero (000) if you think someone has hypothermia.