What temperature is considered hypothermia?

Hypothermia is medically defined as a medical emergency that occurs when the core body temperature drops below 35°C (95°F) [1]. At this temperature, the body loses heat much faster than it can produce it, leading to a dysfunction in vital organ functions. This drop is considered a direct threat to life, as the issue is not limited to simply feeling cold, but extends to severely affecting the body's fundamental physiological processes [1].

Why is hypothermia a medical emergency?

When the body begins to lose heat, it attempts to protect vital organs by reducing blood flow to the extremities, such as the hands, feet, and face [3]. If the temperature continues to drop, brain and nervous system function weakens, rendering the affected person unable to think clearly or make rational decisions to seek help. Because the condition develops gradually, the person may not realize the extent of the danger they are in, which increases the severity of the situation [1].

Signs and symptoms of hypothermia

Symptoms usually begin with feeling cold and continuous shivering as a natural response by the body to raise its temperature. However, as the temperature continues to drop, a set of signs may appear that indicate a more serious condition, sometimes referred to as "The Umbles," which include:

• Stumbling while walking or loss of balance.
• Mumbling speech and unclear enunciation.
• Feeling mental confusion, lethargy, or severe sleepiness.
• Fidgeting or an inability to perform simple tasks that require motor coordination.

These signs must be taken very seriously, as they indicate that the nervous system is under severe stress due to heat loss [1] [3].

First aid and proper management

If you suspect someone is suffering from hypothermia, it is essential to act immediately. Begin by moving the person away from the cold, wind, or moisture. Help them put on additional layers of dry clothing, preferably synthetic fibers or wool. It is very important to avoid wearing cotton directly against the skin, as cotton absorbs and retains moisture, which increases body cooling instead of warming it [3]. The person may be given warm, sugary drinks to replenish energy, while encouraging them to perform some simple movements to increase blood circulation, but without severe physical exertion. Never try to warm the affected person by rubbing the skin; instead, use a gentle and direct external heat source if necessary [3].

Prevention and next steps

To prevent the dangers of cold, one should always plan ahead when going out in cold weather by wearing multi-layered clothing (a moisture-wicking layer, an insulating layer, and a protective outer layer), while making sure to cover the head and hands. For more details on preventive measures and accurately identifying danger signs, you can visit our article on Hypothermia: Danger Signs, First Aid, and Prevention (Arabic). If the person's condition does not improve or they show signs of severe confusion, emergency medical help must be sought immediately, as rapid intervention is the deciding factor in preventing serious complications [3].

Medical references

• Hypothermia
• How to prevent frostbite and hypothermia