What You Need to Know About Hypothermia transcript

Hypothermia is a medical emergency. Cause: Prolonged exposures to very cold temperatures.

At highest risk:

• Older adults with inadequate food, clothing, and/or heating
• Babies sleeping in cold bedrooms
• Homeless, hikers, hunters
• People who drink alcohol or use drugs
• Outdoor workers

Adults

• Shivering
• Exhaustion
• Confusion
• Fumbling hands
• Memory loss
• Slurred speech
• Drowsiness Babies
• Bright red, cold skin
• Very low energy

If you suspect hypothermia, get medical attention immediately and try to warm the person up.

• Get the person into a warm room
• Remove wet clothing
• Warm the chest, neck, head, and groin using an electric blanket or skin-to-skin contact
• Give warm drinks
• Do not give alcohol

To avoid hypothermia:

• Stay indoors
• If you go out, wear…
  • Hat
  • Scarf or knit mask over face
  • Water-resistant coat and boots
  • Mittens/gloves
  • Several layers loose-fitting clothing

For more information about hypothermia, visit cdc.gov/winter-weather/prevention/

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