Hypothermia Signs and Symptoms

For those of you who love winter sports – ‘tis the season!!! Winter sports can be a great way to spice up those cold, gray, winter months, and to enjoy some family fun. Whether your winter sport is sledding, skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, ice skating, or hockey…..it still requires preparing for the cold weather and safety precautions.

Educate yourself and those with you on dressing for the cold: wear clothes in layers, hats, gloves, warm waterproof boots, coats, and snow pants. Also know the signs and symptoms of frostbite and hypothermia (see below for signs and symptoms). Educate yourself on winter sports by taking lessons from skilled instructors and making sure all your equipment is in good working condition by inspecting before each use and checking for a proper fit.

With ice skating make sure the ice is frozen and skate around the edges where the ice is usually thicker than the center. With sledding, skiing, and snowboarding, use good quality equipment and avoid areas with holes, rocks, trees, cars, streets and etcetera. With hockey, wear protective and proper fitting gear. With all winter sports, if you are getting cold, go indoors and take a nice, warm break.

So, be prepared, stay warm and go out and have some winter fun!!!

Hypothermia Signs and Symptoms

Mild Hypothermia (you may have any of the following symptoms)

• confusion, memory loss, poor judgment, trouble thinking
• facial swelling
• fast breathing and heart rate
• need to urinate
• shivering
• clumsy movements
• red or pale skin that is cold to touch
• slow or slurred speech
• tiredness, loss of interest, easily angered

Moderate Hypothermia (you may have any of the following symptoms)

• stiff or jerky movements
• pupils of eyes are larger than normal
• slow, shallow breathing
• sleepy, not easily arousable from sleep
• may stop shivering

Severe Hypothermia (may appear dead)

• faint or no heartbeat
• not breathing, moving, or speaking
• pupils are fixed (do not change in size)
• skin that is blue and is cold to touch
• stiff arms, legs

To treat hypothermia, move the person to a warm, dry place and remove wet clothing and call 911. Begin CPR is person is not breathing. You may also place hot water bottles and heating pads on the person using a towel or blanket in between the skin and the hot item.

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About the Author:
Tonya Emrich, B.S.N., RN is a registered nurse in the emergency department at Memorial Health Care System. She is a graduate of Firelands Regional Medical Center School of Nursing and earned a Bachelor's of Science in nursing from Lourdes College.

Apart from working in the emergency department, and being a nurse, Tonya enjoys the summer months and spending time with family and friends. One of her many favorite quotes is "live life like you have never lived.”

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