| Hypothermia level, ° C | Signs and symptoms | Rewarming strategies |
|---|---|---|
| Cold stress, 35–37 |
Alert Possibly shivering |
Remove from cold environment; protect from further heat loss. Passive rewarming is often adequate in healthy people. |
| Mild hypothermia, 32–35 | Altered level of responsiveness Shivering |
Protect from harm such as falls. Passive and active rewarming methods may be used in tandem. Seek additional care. |
| Moderate hypothermia, 28–32 | Decreased level of responsiveness ±Shivering ±Low heart rate Pale, nonblanching exposed skin Associated with frozen tissue/frostbite |
Hypothermia with decreased responsiveness, such as responding only to loud voice or pain, is a medical emergency.
Use all available passive and active rewarming methods, handle the patient gently, and activate the emergency response system. |
| Severe hypothermia, <28 Profound hypothermia, <24 |
Unresponsive, may appear lifeless Cessation of shivering Slow heart rate and breathing High risk for irregular heart rhythm and cardiac arrest |