Too cold

How do you know when you’re too cold?

When your body can’t overcome heat loss, your core body temperature drops. It can drop quickly or gradually. Both conditions are called hypothermia.

You can recognize the symptoms. An easy way to remember this is by remembering the “umbles”—mumble, grumble, fumble and stumble. If someone is doing any of these, take action to help. Sound advice from the outdoor experts writing in the journal Wilderness Medicine.

If you have mild hypothermia, you can re-warm yourself as long as the symptoms are recognized and treated properly. People with moderate and severe hypothermia will not be able to re-warm themselves. Getting warm inside a shelter simply will not be enough. These people should be taken to an emergency room immediately.
 
Hypothermia can be difficult to manage, but is much easier to prevent. Here’s how:

• Drink liquids.
• Maintain a good energy level.
• Dress appropriately.
• Plan ahead.
• Recognize the signs and symptoms.