Cold stress.
Act early.

Suspected hypothermia is an emergency. Seek local emergency or rescue help.

Confusion, clumsiness, unusual drowsiness or changes in shivering after cold exposure call for action. This page cannot diagnose or rule out hypothermia.

• Move out of wet and windy conditions if safe; handle the person gently.
• Replace wet layers with dry insulation. Insulate the ground and cover the head.
• Warm the torso gradually. Avoid direct intense heat, rubbing limbs and alcohol.
• Offer a warm nonalcoholic drink only if fully alert and able to swallow.
• For unresponsiveness or abnormal breathing, follow emergency-dispatch instructions and your first-aid training.

Carry the full American Red Cross guidance and take practical training.