Hypothermia and Frostbite
By Mason Smith
Hypothermia is when your body loses too much heat and can’t work properly.
Warning Signs of Hypothermia
(Remember - stumbles, mumbles, fumbles and grumbles)
- Cold feet and hands
- Puffy or swollen face
- Pale skin
- Severe shivering
- Slurred speech or speaking more slowly than usual
- Dizziness or trouble staying balanced when walking
- Confusion or unusual anger
- Tiredness
- Slow breathing
- Slow pulse
- Blacking out (loss of consciousness)
Treatment of Hypothermia
- Call 911
- Move out of the cold and wind
- Remove any wet clothes
- Cover the person with dry clothes or a warm blanket
- Share body heat with another person
- DON’T use direct heat (like a heating pad or lamp) on someone with hypothermia
- Drink warm beverages (but NOT caffeine or alcohol)
- DON’T rub or massage someone with hypothermia
Frostbite is when your skin freezes.
It usually affects fingers, toes, and exposed skin – like your face, nose and ears.
Signs of Frostbite
- Gray, white or yellow skin
- Waxy-looking skin
- Numbness – no feeling in the affected area
Treatment of Frostbite
- Call 911
- Warm the area slowly by blowing warm air on it or placing it against a warm part of the body
- DON’T rub frostbitten skin
Last updated on July 19th, 2010
Consumers Community
© Copyright 2010 California Department of Developmental Services
This site does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
© Copyright 2010 California Department of Developmental Services
This site does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.