... In all cases, conduct an initial Primary Assessment and act accordingly.

Cause of Hypothermia:
• Cooling of the body core temperature below 35*C

Signs & Symptoms of Mild Hypothermia:
• Shivering
• Pale, cool skin
• Poor coordination
• Slurred speech
• Usually responsive with apathy and slow thinking

First Aid Treatment for Mild Hypothermia:
• Change into dry clothes if possible
• Protect from the elements
• Provide warm sweet drinks (no alcohol or caffeine)
• Seek medical advice if the victim does not improve rapidly

Signs & Symptoms of Moderate to Severe Hypothermia:
• Most shivering ceases
• Increasing muscle stiffness
• Consciousness clouded
• Breathing and pulse slow and difficult to detect
• Heartbeat irregularities may develop
• Pupils fixed and dilated
• May appear dead

First Aid Treatment for Moderate to Severe Hypothermia:
If Responsive
• Seek urgent medical assistance
• Lay victim down flat and handle gently
• Insulate from the environment and wrap with blankets, clothing
• Monitor victim's vital signs
• Give warm sweet drinks if victim is responsive, stable and able to swallow
• Do not rub or massage
• Do not give alcohol or caffeinated fluids
• Do not expose to excessive heat (e.g. fire, heater)

If Unresponsive
• Seek urgent medical assistance
• Lay victim down flat and handle gently
• Insulate from the environment
• Monitor victim's vital signs
• Check responsiveness and breathing, commence CPR
• Provide oxygen, preferably warmed if able

Special Considerations for Moderate to Severe Hypothermia:
If the victim is no longer shivering and medical aid is delayed, active rewarming may be appropriate. This can be attempted following the basic care, by applying wrapped heat packs or warm hot water bottles to the groin, armpits, trunk and side of the neck. The source of heat should be warm or tepid, but not hot.