Hypothermia & Frostbite Response

Cold injuries can happen faster than people expect, especially when it is wet or windy. Hypothermia affects the whole body; frostbite damages skin and tissue. Quick, gentle first aid makes a big difference.

• Outdoor Workers
• Supervisors
• First Aiders

Hypothermia

Hypothermia is a dangerous drop in body temperature (below about 95 degrees F).

• Early signs: shivering, cold hands and feet, fatigue, clumsiness, slurred speech, confusion and poor judgment.
• Severe signs: shivering stops, drowsiness, very slow breathing and pulse, stiff muscles, loss of consciousness.
• Wet clothing, wind, exhaustion and cold water increase risk. Hypothermia can occur above freezing.

What to do

1. Call 911 for severe signs, confusion or unconsciousness. For mild cases, get the person out of the cold quickly.
2. Handle gently. Rough movement can trigger heart rhythm problems in severe cases. Lay the person flat.
3. Remove wet clothing and replace with dry layers. Wrap in blankets, a sleeping bag or foil blanket, and insulate from the ground. Cover the head and neck.
4. Warm the core first: apply warm (not hot) packs to the chest, neck and groin, wrapped in cloth. Do not apply direct heat to arms and legs.
5. If the person is awake and can swallow, give warm, sweet drinks without alcohol or caffeine.
6. Monitor breathing. If the person is not breathing, start CPR and use an AED. See CPR & AED.

Frostbite

• Frostbite is freezing of skin and tissue, usually on fingers, toes, nose, ears and cheeks.
• Frostnip: numb, pale or red skin that returns to normal when warmed.
• Frostbite: skin that is hard, waxy, white, gray or blue-gray, numb, and may blister after rewarming.

What to do

• Get out of the cold. Remove wet or tight clothing, rings and watches.
• For small areas, warm in warm water (about 99 to 104 degrees F, not hot) for 15 to 30 minutes, or with body heat such as armpits. Don't rewarm if there is a chance it will refreeze before reaching care.
• Protect the area and pad between fingers and toes with dry gauze. Elevate if possible.
• Give pain relief as advised; rewarming can hurt.
• Seek medical care for any frostbite beyond frostnip.

• Do not rub the skin or snow on it.
• Do not use direct heat such as heaters, fire or heating pads; numb skin burns easily.
• Do not break blisters.
• Do not allow the person to walk on frostbitten feet if avoidable.

Last updated: October 8, 2026