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| Meta Title | Hypothermia | healthdirect |
| Meta Description | Hypothermia can happen when you are exposed to cold conditions for a long time. Learn symptoms, treatment, and prevention tips here. |
| Meta Canonical | null |
| Boilerpipe Text | Key facts
Hypothermia occurs when your temperature drops below normal, and your body can't warm itself up.
It is most commonly caused by spending long periods in cold environments.
Someone with hypothermia may have cool skin, shiver uncontrollably, have a slow heart rate.
In severe cases, hypothermia can cause confusion or unconsciousness.
Severe hypothermia is a medical emergency and an ambulance should be called immediately.
On this page
What is hypothermia?
How is hypothermia diagnosed?
What are symptoms of hypothermia?
What causes hypothermia?
How is hypothermia treated?
What are the complications of hypothermia?
How can hypothermia be prevented?
Resources and support
Related information on Australian websites
What is hypothermia?
Hypothermia happens when your body's temperature drops from a healthy range (usually around 37°C) to below 35°C. A drop in body temperature to 32°C or lower can be life-threatening.
Your body has several ways to warm up, if you are in a cold environment. You will start shivering, breathing faster and your muscles with tense. Your hairs will stand up straight (goosebumps) to trap warm air around you. Your heart will pump blood faster, but keep it away from your skin, especially your toes and fingers, to try and keep your core temperature higher.
When your body loses heat faster than your body can warm up, your core temperature will decrease, and you will be at risk of hypothermia.
How is hypothermia diagnosed?
Hypothermia is generally diagnosed based on symptoms and situational factors. It can also be determined using a
special thermometer
to measure your core body temperature.
A core body temperature is between 32 - 35°C is considered mild hypothermia.
A core body temperature below 32°C is considered severe hypothermia that can be life-threatening.
What are symptoms of hypothermia?
People with mild hypothermia have cold, pale skin. They may also be:
shivering uncontrollably
weak
clumsy or uncoordinated
confused
and drowsy
People with severe hypothermia might have stopped shivering. They might:
breathe slowly
have a
slow heart rate
and a weak pulse
have dilated pupils
have stiff muscles
have reduced consciousness or be in a
coma
As their core body temperature continues to drop, they may lose consciousness and their heart may go into
cardiac arrest
.
Hypothermia can progress slowly, and the person may not realise that they need medical attention.
CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS
— Use the
Symptom Checker
and find out if you need to seek medical help.
What causes hypothermia?
You may develop hypothermia if you are exposed to cold conditions, such as air below 10°C or in water below 20°C. for a prolonged period. You can develop hypothermia whether you are outdoors or indoors if the conditions are cold enough.
What can make me more likely to get hypothermia?
You are at a greater risk of hypothermia if you are:
an older person
babies and young children
underweight
,
nutritionally deficient
, or have low body fat
in poor general health
under the influence of alcohol, sedatives or other drugs
wet from any cause
Some medical conditions can mean people are more likely to get hypothermia, even in warmer environments. This may be because they are losing more heat than usual, have problems with the systems that help retain body heat or central nervous system problems.
These include conditions such as:
burns or trauma to the skin
any underlying infection or sepsis
immobility or inactivity
stroke
diabetes
poor blood circulation
dementia
How is hypothermia treated?
If you suspect someone has hypothermia, you should follow the
DRSABCD action plan
. If you are worried, call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance. Keep checking them and stay with them until the ambulance arrives.
If they are conscious and have mild hypothermia:
Move them to somewhere warm and dry, if it is safe to do so.
Help them lay down and avoid excess movements.
Take off any wet clothes.
Warm their head, neck, chest and groin with blankets or wrapped hot water bottles, or use body to body contact.
Keep them still.
Give them warm drinks. Do not give them alcohol.
Don't make them move too much.
Don't use direct heat
(such as hot water or putting them in a hot bath). Don't rub their skin vigorously.
If someone's body temperature is below normal, it's important not to raise their body temperature too quickly by using direct heat. Sudden changes in body temperature can lead to
shock
. Medical professionals will aim to increase someone's body temperature gradually by 1to 2°C per hour.
ASK YOUR DOCTOR
— Preparing for an appointment? Use the
Question Builder
for general tips on what to ask your GP or specialist.
FIND A HEALTH SERVICE
— The
Service Finder
can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services.
What are the complications of hypothermia?
Untreated, hypothermia can cause complications such as
atrial fibrillation
(abnormal heartbeat) and even
cardiac arrest
.
How can hypothermia be prevented?
Here are some tips to reduce your risk of hypothermia:
Check the weather forecast.
Limit the amount of time you spend outdoors in the cold.
Plan 'warm-up' breaks if you work or spend a lot of time outside in cold weather.
Dress warmly, including wearing a wind or water-resistant jacket, gloves and a hat.
Stay dry and change out of wet clothes quickly.
Avoid alcohol, caffeine and cigarettes, which can make you more sensitive to cold.
Ask your doctor if your
medicines
could make you more susceptible to cold.
Young children and babies can lose body heat more quickly than adults because they have less muscle mass. Limit their exposure to extreme cold weather. Make sure you cover their heads when they are outside in the cold weather.
Read more on
dressing your baby in cold weather
.
Resources and support
It's important to know how to stay safe and avoid hypothermia if you fall into cold water. Read about what to do at the
NSW Government
page on cold water and hypothermia.
You can take a
St John Ambulance Australia
first aid course and learn how to treat hypothermia and save a life. You can also follow their
hypothermia fact sheet
for quick advice. |
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[beginning of content]()
# Hypothermia
*9-minute read*
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**Hypothermia is a medical emergency. Call triple zero (000) immediately and ask for an ambulance if you or someone else is experiencing symptoms.**
## Key facts
- Hypothermia occurs when your temperature drops below normal, and your body can't warm itself up.
- It is most commonly caused by spending long periods in cold environments.
- Someone with hypothermia may have cool skin, shiver uncontrollably, have a slow heart rate.
- In severe cases, hypothermia can cause confusion or unconsciousness.
- Severe hypothermia is a medical emergency and an ambulance should be called immediately.
## On this page
- [What is hypothermia?](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/hypothermia#what-is)
- [How is hypothermia diagnosed?](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/hypothermia#diagnosed)
- [What are symptoms of hypothermia?](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/hypothermia#symptoms)
- [What causes hypothermia?](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/hypothermia#caused)
- [How is hypothermia treated?](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/hypothermia#treated)
- [What are the complications of hypothermia?](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/hypothermia#complications)
- [How can hypothermia be prevented?](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/hypothermia#prevented)
- [Resources and support](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/hypothermia#resources)
- [Related information on Australian websites](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/hypothermia#searchGeneralResults)
## What is hypothermia?
Hypothermia happens when your body's temperature drops from a healthy range (usually around 37°C) to below 35°C. A drop in body temperature to 32°C or lower can be life-threatening.
Your body has several ways to warm up, if you are in a cold environment. You will start shivering, breathing faster and your muscles with tense. Your hairs will stand up straight (goosebumps) to trap warm air around you. Your heart will pump blood faster, but keep it away from your skin, especially your toes and fingers, to try and keep your core temperature higher.
When your body loses heat faster than your body can warm up, your core temperature will decrease, and you will be at risk of hypothermia.
## How is hypothermia diagnosed?
Hypothermia is generally diagnosed based on symptoms and situational factors. It can also be determined using a [special thermometer](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/types-of-thermometer) to measure your core body temperature.
A core body temperature is between 32 - 35°C is considered mild hypothermia.
A core body temperature below 32°C is considered severe hypothermia that can be life-threatening.
## What are symptoms of hypothermia?
**If you suspect someone has hypothermia, call triple zero (000) for an ambulance immediately.**
People with mild hypothermia have cold, pale skin. They may also be:
- shivering uncontrollably
- weak
- clumsy or uncoordinated
- [confused](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/confusion) and drowsy
People with severe hypothermia might have stopped shivering. They might:
- breathe slowly
- have a [slow heart rate](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/bradycardia) and a weak pulse
- have dilated pupils
- have stiff muscles
- have reduced consciousness or be in a [coma](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/coma)
As their core body temperature continues to drop, they may lose consciousness and their heart may go into [cardiac arrest](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/cardiac-arrest).
Hypothermia can progress slowly, and the person may not realise that they need medical attention.
[**CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS** — Use the **Symptom Checker** and find out if you need to seek medical help.](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/symptom-checker)
## What causes hypothermia?
You may develop hypothermia if you are exposed to cold conditions, such as air below 10°C or in water below 20°C. for a prolonged period. You can develop hypothermia whether you are outdoors or indoors if the conditions are cold enough.
### What can make me more likely to get hypothermia?
You are at a greater risk of hypothermia if you are:
- an older person
- babies and young children
- [underweight](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/what-to-do-if-you-are-underweight), [nutritionally deficient](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/malnutrition), or have low body fat
- in poor general health
- under the influence of alcohol, sedatives or other drugs
- wet from any cause
Some medical conditions can mean people are more likely to get hypothermia, even in warmer environments. This may be because they are losing more heat than usual, have problems with the systems that help retain body heat or central nervous system problems.
These include conditions such as:
- burns or trauma to the skin
- any underlying infection or sepsis
- immobility or inactivity
- stroke
- diabetes
- poor blood circulation
- dementia
## How is hypothermia treated?
**Hypothermia is a medical emergency. Call triple zero (000) immediately and ask for an ambulance if you or someone else is experiencing symptoms.**
If you suspect someone has hypothermia, you should follow the [DRSABCD action plan](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/first-aid#action-plan). If you are worried, call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance. Keep checking them and stay with them until the ambulance arrives.
If they are conscious and have mild hypothermia:
- Move them to somewhere warm and dry, if it is safe to do so.
- Help them lay down and avoid excess movements.
- Take off any wet clothes.
- Warm their head, neck, chest and groin with blankets or wrapped hot water bottles, or use body to body contact.
- Keep them still.
- Give them warm drinks. Do not give them alcohol.
Don't make them move too much. [Don't use direct heat](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/winter-health-hazards-at-home) (such as hot water or putting them in a hot bath). Don't rub their skin vigorously.
If someone's body temperature is below normal, it's important not to raise their body temperature too quickly by using direct heat. Sudden changes in body temperature can lead to [shock](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/shock). Medical professionals will aim to increase someone's body temperature gradually by 1to 2°C per hour.
[**ASK YOUR DOCTOR** — Preparing for an appointment? Use the **Question Builder** for general tips on what to ask your GP or specialist.](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/question-builder)
[**FIND A HEALTH SERVICE** — The **Service Finder** can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services.](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/australian-health-services)
## What are the complications of hypothermia?
**Hypothermia can lead to death. Call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance if you think someone has hypothermia.**
Untreated, hypothermia can cause complications such as [atrial fibrillation](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/atrial-fibrillation) (abnormal heartbeat) and even [cardiac arrest](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/cardiac-arrest).
## How can hypothermia be prevented?
Here are some tips to reduce your risk of hypothermia:
- Check the weather forecast.
- Limit the amount of time you spend outdoors in the cold.
- Plan 'warm-up' breaks if you work or spend a lot of time outside in cold weather.
- Dress warmly, including wearing a wind or water-resistant jacket, gloves and a hat.
- Stay dry and change out of wet clothes quickly.
- Avoid alcohol, caffeine and cigarettes, which can make you more sensitive to cold.
- Ask your doctor if your [medicines](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/medicines) could make you more susceptible to cold.
Young children and babies can lose body heat more quickly than adults because they have less muscle mass. Limit their exposure to extreme cold weather. Make sure you cover their heads when they are outside in the cold weather.
Read more on [dressing your baby in cold weather](https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/guide-to-dressing-your-baby-in-cold-weather-infographic).
## Resources and support
- It's important to know how to stay safe and avoid hypothermia if you fall into cold water. Read about what to do at the [NSW Government](https://www.nsw.gov.au/driving-boating-and-transport/waterways-safety-and-rules/emergencies/cold-and-hypothermia#toc-how-to-treat-hypothermia) page on cold water and hypothermia.
- You can take a [St John Ambulance Australia](https://stjohn.org.au/first-aid-training) first aid course and learn how to treat hypothermia and save a life. You can also follow their [hypothermia fact sheet](https://stjohn.org.au/assets/uploads/fact%20sheets/english/Fact%20sheets_hypothermia.pdf) for quick advice.
#### Sources:
Australian Resuscitation Council *[(Australian resuscitation council guideline 9.3.3 hypothermia: first aid management)](https://resus.org.au/download/anzcor-guideline-9-3-3-hypothermia-and-cold-related-injury-august-2021-0-3-mib/ "Australian resuscitation council guideline 9.3.3 hypothermia: first aid management")*, Queensland Ambulance Service *[(Clinical Practice Guidelines: Environmental/Hypothermia)](https://www.ambulance.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0024/219039/cpg_hypothermia.pdf "Clinical Practice Guidelines: Environmental/Hypothermia")*, NSW Health *[(Hypothermia)](https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/environment/factsheets/Pages/hypothermia.aspx "Hypothermia")*, Perth Children's Hospital *[(Hypothermia)](https://pch.health.wa.gov.au/For-health-professionals/Emergency-Department-Guidelines/Hypothermia "Hypothermia")*, St Johns Ambulance Australia *[(First aid fact sheet - Hypothermia)](https://stjohn.org.au/assets/uploads/fact%20sheets/english/Fact%20sheets_hypothermia.pdf "First aid fact sheet - Hypothermia")*, St John Ambulance Australia *[(First aid for overexposure to the cold: 9 essential tips for hypothermia and frostbite treatment)](https://www.stjohnvic.com.au/news/first-aid-hypothermia-treatment/ "First aid for overexposure to the cold: 9 essential tips for hypothermia and frostbite treatment")*
Learn more here about the [development and quality assurance of healthdirect content](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/about-our-content).
Last reviewed: July 2024
[Back To Top](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/hypothermia#backToTop)
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## Need more information?
These trusted information partners have more on this topic.
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[What is the treatment for hypothermia? - myDr.com.au What do you do if you come across someone with hypothermia? Dr Norman Swan explains the dos and don'ts of first aid for hypothermia. *Read more on myDoctor website* ](https://mydr.com.au/first-aid-self-care/what-is-the-treatment-for-hypothermia/)
[Hypothermia Hypothermia occurs when the body temperature is below 35°C. The normal human body temperature is around 37°C. *Read more on NSW Health website* ](https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/environment/factsheets/Pages/hypothermia.aspx)
[Hypothermia \| Better Health Channel The early responses to hypothermia will be moving around, seeking shelter, hair standing on end (goosebumps) and shivering. *Read more on Better Health Channel website* ](https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/hypothermia)
[Hypothermia – St John Australia *Read more on St John Ambulance Australia website* ](https://stjohn.org.au/fact-sheet/hypothermia/)
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| Readable Markdown | ## Key facts
- Hypothermia occurs when your temperature drops below normal, and your body can't warm itself up.
- It is most commonly caused by spending long periods in cold environments.
- Someone with hypothermia may have cool skin, shiver uncontrollably, have a slow heart rate.
- In severe cases, hypothermia can cause confusion or unconsciousness.
- Severe hypothermia is a medical emergency and an ambulance should be called immediately.
## On this page
- [What is hypothermia?](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/hypothermia#what-is)
- [How is hypothermia diagnosed?](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/hypothermia#diagnosed)
- [What are symptoms of hypothermia?](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/hypothermia#symptoms)
- [What causes hypothermia?](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/hypothermia#caused)
- [How is hypothermia treated?](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/hypothermia#treated)
- [What are the complications of hypothermia?](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/hypothermia#complications)
- [How can hypothermia be prevented?](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/hypothermia#prevented)
- [Resources and support](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/hypothermia#resources)
- [Related information on Australian websites](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/hypothermia#searchGeneralResults)
## What is hypothermia?
Hypothermia happens when your body's temperature drops from a healthy range (usually around 37°C) to below 35°C. A drop in body temperature to 32°C or lower can be life-threatening.
Your body has several ways to warm up, if you are in a cold environment. You will start shivering, breathing faster and your muscles with tense. Your hairs will stand up straight (goosebumps) to trap warm air around you. Your heart will pump blood faster, but keep it away from your skin, especially your toes and fingers, to try and keep your core temperature higher.
When your body loses heat faster than your body can warm up, your core temperature will decrease, and you will be at risk of hypothermia.
## How is hypothermia diagnosed?
Hypothermia is generally diagnosed based on symptoms and situational factors. It can also be determined using a [special thermometer](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/types-of-thermometer) to measure your core body temperature.
A core body temperature is between 32 - 35°C is considered mild hypothermia.
A core body temperature below 32°C is considered severe hypothermia that can be life-threatening.
## What are symptoms of hypothermia?
People with mild hypothermia have cold, pale skin. They may also be:
- shivering uncontrollably
- weak
- clumsy or uncoordinated
- [confused](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/confusion) and drowsy
People with severe hypothermia might have stopped shivering. They might:
- breathe slowly
- have a [slow heart rate](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/bradycardia) and a weak pulse
- have dilated pupils
- have stiff muscles
- have reduced consciousness or be in a [coma](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/coma)
As their core body temperature continues to drop, they may lose consciousness and their heart may go into [cardiac arrest](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/cardiac-arrest).
Hypothermia can progress slowly, and the person may not realise that they need medical attention.
[**CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS** — Use the **Symptom Checker** and find out if you need to seek medical help.](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/symptom-checker)
## What causes hypothermia?
You may develop hypothermia if you are exposed to cold conditions, such as air below 10°C or in water below 20°C. for a prolonged period. You can develop hypothermia whether you are outdoors or indoors if the conditions are cold enough.
### What can make me more likely to get hypothermia?
You are at a greater risk of hypothermia if you are:
- an older person
- babies and young children
- [underweight](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/what-to-do-if-you-are-underweight), [nutritionally deficient](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/malnutrition), or have low body fat
- in poor general health
- under the influence of alcohol, sedatives or other drugs
- wet from any cause
Some medical conditions can mean people are more likely to get hypothermia, even in warmer environments. This may be because they are losing more heat than usual, have problems with the systems that help retain body heat or central nervous system problems.
These include conditions such as:
- burns or trauma to the skin
- any underlying infection or sepsis
- immobility or inactivity
- stroke
- diabetes
- poor blood circulation
- dementia
## How is hypothermia treated?
If you suspect someone has hypothermia, you should follow the [DRSABCD action plan](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/first-aid#action-plan). If you are worried, call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance. Keep checking them and stay with them until the ambulance arrives.
If they are conscious and have mild hypothermia:
- Move them to somewhere warm and dry, if it is safe to do so.
- Help them lay down and avoid excess movements.
- Take off any wet clothes.
- Warm their head, neck, chest and groin with blankets or wrapped hot water bottles, or use body to body contact.
- Keep them still.
- Give them warm drinks. Do not give them alcohol.
Don't make them move too much. [Don't use direct heat](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/winter-health-hazards-at-home) (such as hot water or putting them in a hot bath). Don't rub their skin vigorously.
If someone's body temperature is below normal, it's important not to raise their body temperature too quickly by using direct heat. Sudden changes in body temperature can lead to [shock](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/shock). Medical professionals will aim to increase someone's body temperature gradually by 1to 2°C per hour.
[**ASK YOUR DOCTOR** — Preparing for an appointment? Use the **Question Builder** for general tips on what to ask your GP or specialist.](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/question-builder)
[**FIND A HEALTH SERVICE** — The **Service Finder** can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services.](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/australian-health-services)
## What are the complications of hypothermia?
Untreated, hypothermia can cause complications such as [atrial fibrillation](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/atrial-fibrillation) (abnormal heartbeat) and even [cardiac arrest](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/cardiac-arrest).
## How can hypothermia be prevented?
Here are some tips to reduce your risk of hypothermia:
- Check the weather forecast.
- Limit the amount of time you spend outdoors in the cold.
- Plan 'warm-up' breaks if you work or spend a lot of time outside in cold weather.
- Dress warmly, including wearing a wind or water-resistant jacket, gloves and a hat.
- Stay dry and change out of wet clothes quickly.
- Avoid alcohol, caffeine and cigarettes, which can make you more sensitive to cold.
- Ask your doctor if your [medicines](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/medicines) could make you more susceptible to cold.
Young children and babies can lose body heat more quickly than adults because they have less muscle mass. Limit their exposure to extreme cold weather. Make sure you cover their heads when they are outside in the cold weather.
Read more on [dressing your baby in cold weather](https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/guide-to-dressing-your-baby-in-cold-weather-infographic).
## Resources and support
- It's important to know how to stay safe and avoid hypothermia if you fall into cold water. Read about what to do at the [NSW Government](https://www.nsw.gov.au/driving-boating-and-transport/waterways-safety-and-rules/emergencies/cold-and-hypothermia#toc-how-to-treat-hypothermia) page on cold water and hypothermia.
- You can take a [St John Ambulance Australia](https://stjohn.org.au/first-aid-training) first aid course and learn how to treat hypothermia and save a life. You can also follow their [hypothermia fact sheet](https://stjohn.org.au/assets/uploads/fact%20sheets/english/Fact%20sheets_hypothermia.pdf) for quick advice. |
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| Unparsed URL | au,gov,healthdirect!www,/hypothermia s443 |