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Warning-sign checks

Hypothermia: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Call emergency services for suspected hypothermia when someone has been exposed to cold and has confusion, slurred speech, poor coordination, marked drowsiness, slow or abnormal breathing, or loss of consciousness.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    A measured temperature below 35°C also requires urgent medical assessment.

    Seek urgent help after cold-water immersion if the person remains cold, confused, breathless, weak, or unable to stop shivering.

    Also get urgent care for suspected frostbite, injury, chest pain, or symptoms that worsen during rewarming.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Routine follow-up is appropriate after recovery if the cause was unclear, the episode happened indoors, symptoms return, or an underlying medical or social problem may have contributed.

The article also says

Start CPR if the person is unresponsive and not breathing normally.

Do not assume that someone who is very cold cannot be resuscitated.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Hypothermia. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.