Hypothermia

Missourians should make a report of senior citizens or adults with disabilities who are in need of assistance due to cold temperatures. Make a report 24/7 online at https://health.mo.gov/abuse or call the state's toll-free abuse and neglect hotline at 1-800-392-0210. The hotline operates 7 a.m. to 12 a.m. seven days a week.

Winter weather can be hazardous. Be prepared. Use checklists for heating, water, car and emergency, food and safety, cooking and lighting, and communications.

Hypothermia is an abnormally low body temperature and is considered more dangerous than frostbite. It is caused by the general cooling of the body and can quickly become life threatening. If the body temperature drops below 86°F, death can occur. Those most at risk for hypothermia are people who work outside, people in poor physical condition, the elderly, infants and people with health problems such as diabetes, heart disease and hypertension.

Warning Signs of Hypothermia May Include:

Uncontrollable shivering. In severe cases of hypothermia, shivering stops

Numbness

Glassy stare

Apathy

Weakness

Impaired judgment

Drowsiness

Slow or slurred speech

Exhaustion

Loss of consciousness

In infants, the skin turns bright red and cold

Infants with a very low energy level

What to Do

Call 911 for immediate medical assistance

Gently move the victim to a warm place

Monitor the victim’s blood pressure and breathing

If needed, give rescue breathing and CPR

Remove wet clothing

Dry off the victim

Take the victim’s temperature

Warm the body core first, NOT the extremities. Warming the extremities first can cause shock. It can also drive cold blood toward the heart and lead to heart failure.

DO NOT warm the victim too fast. Rapid warming may cause heart arrhythmias

How to Prevent Hypothermia