Knowing the symptoms of hypothermia and how to treat it are key in the outdoors no matter the time of year. (Photo by Tim Christie) HYPOTHERMIA SYMPTOMS AND FIRST AID Hypothermia is an abnormally low body temperature where heat is being lost faster than it can be produced. It is important to understand that intervention is critical. In an outdoor survival situation, building a fire may be necessary. Please refer to the table on hypothermia symptoms and treatment provided from the Wyoming Hunter Education Manual. SYMPTOMS MILD * Shivering. * Complaints of cold. * Loss of coordination. * Mental withdrawal and apathy. FIRST AID * End exposure - get victim out of the cold and wet. * Replace wet clothing with dry clothing, or add insulation. * Place victim in a warm environment. * Offer warm liquids or food only if victim is fully conscious. 42 | January 2025 MODERATE * Listlessness, mental confusion, refusal to recognize problems. * Uncontrollable shivering. * Slurred speech. * Stumbling. FIRST AID * End exposure - cover victim rather than walking him to shelter. * Treat victim gently - avoid unnecessary jostling or movement. * Check victim for other injury, including frostbite. SEVERE * Unresponsiveness. * Decreased pulse and respiration. * Cessation of shivering. * Physical collapse. FIRST AID * Treatment should be attempted only if victim cannot be evacuated to a hospital promptly for professional care. * Deliver warmth to the head and trunk of the body by application of warm-water bottles, warmed blankets or another warm body.