How to detect hypothermia

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Hypothermia progresses through a number of stages from early signs and symptoms to death.

Symptoms of Early Hypothermia (body core temps between 32/90 degrees and 37/98.6 degrees) include: shivering; stiff and slightly uncoordinated muscles; hands, feet and skin which feel cold to the touch; and, mild personality changes.

Symptoms of Profound Hypothermia (body core temps below 32/90 degrees) include: shivering stops; muscles lose coordination; the mind becomes confused, indecisive and functions illogically; victim may lose interest in keeping warm; pulse rate falls; breath may have fruity odour; slurred speech; impaired vision; potential loss of bladder control.

In the final stages before death the victim may lapse into a coma and the heartbeat becomes almost undetectable.

• taken from Snow Camping by Jo Anne Creore