Health Issues:Hypothermia

Hypothermia is a dangerous drop in body temperature below 95°F (35°C), caused by cold exposure, wet clothing, wind, lack of food or shelter, certain medical conditions, substance use, or age extremes. Symptoms progress from mild shivering, confusion, and slurred speech, to moderate weakness, slow breathing, and stopped shivering, and finally severe loss of consciousness, low blood pressure, and risk of cardiac arrest. Treatment is a medical emergency and involves calling 911, moving the person to a warm, dry place, removing wet clothes, layering warm clothing, gently warming the core, and giving warm drinks if conscious.