Symptoms of Hypothermia
This constellation of symptoms could occur all at once, but more often than not, one or more appear. They may appear in various sequences. Treat immediately to avoid complications.
Mild hypothermia
- Slurred Speech.
- Skin is either blue, puffy, or pale. It can be all three.
- Paleness/colorless and/or numbess in the extremities.
- Shivering uncontrollably.
- Forgetfullness/incoherent or both. Brain metabolism is slowing down.
- Ataxia--lost of muscular coordination; especially in the extremities.
Severe hypothermia
- Extreme cold in stomach, groin, armpits.
- Light or shallow breathing--breath or respiratory rate drops to 4-5 breaths/minute.
- Unconsciousness.
- Hard to Awaken. Very drowsy.
- Mistaken for dead--apparent death.
- Faint heartbeat or irregular heart.
- Fixed and/or dilated pupils.