Hypothermia and staying safe in cold weather

What hypothermia is and who is at risk

Hypothermia sets in when the body cannot keep up with heat loss and its core temperature falls too low for it to work properly. It can happen outdoors in cold, wet, or windy weather, but also indoors in a poorly heated home, and it develops faster if clothing is wet or you fall into cold water. Some people are more vulnerable: older people, babies, those who are thin or undernourished, people who drink a lot of alcohol, and anyone with a long-term illness or reduced mobility. Certain medicines and conditions that affect how the body controls temperature also raise the risk. Babies can lose heat quickly and may look healthy but feel cold, with pale skin and low energy. Recognising who is at risk helps you take extra care of them when temperatures fall.

Recognising the warning signs

Early hypothermia often causes shivering, cold, pale skin, tiredness, and clumsy or slow movements. The person may seem confused, have slurred speech, or behave out of character, and their breathing may slow. As it worsens, shivering can stop — which is a bad sign, not a good one — and the person may become very drowsy, confused, or lose consciousness. In babies, watch for skin that is cold to the touch, unusual quietness or floppiness, a refusal to feed, and pale skin. Because hypothermia clouds thinking, affected people often do not realise how cold they are, so those around them need to spot it. Any suspicion of hypothermia, particularly drowsiness, confusion, or a person who has stopped shivering despite being cold, should be treated as a serious emergency needing urgent help.

What to do while waiting for help

If you think someone has hypothermia, call 999 for anyone who is very cold and drowsy, confused, or unwell. While waiting, move them somewhere warm and out of the wind and cold if you can. Gently remove any wet clothing and wrap them in dry blankets or warm layers, covering the head but leaving the face clear. If they are alert and able to swallow, warm sweet drinks and high-energy food can help, but do not give alcohol. Warm the person gradually — do not use hot baths, hot water bottles placed directly on the skin, heat lamps, or vigorous rubbing, as warming too fast or unevenly can be harmful. Handle them gently and keep them still, as rough movement can strain a very cold heart. Stay with them and keep monitoring their breathing until help arrives.

Keeping warm at home

In cold weather, aim to keep your main living room at a comfortable warmth during the day and your bedroom warm enough at night. If money for heating is a worry, help may be available, and it is worth asking about support schemes rather than leaving your home cold. Wear several thin layers rather than one thick one, as layers trap warmth better, and keep active indoors with gentle movement. Warm food and hot drinks help keep your body temperature up, so try to eat regular meals. Close curtains at dusk and shut off unused rooms to keep heat where you need it. Check that heating and cooking appliances are safe and well maintained, and make sure you have a working carbon monoxide alarm. Keeping the home warm protects the heart and lungs as well as preventing hypothermia.

Staying safe outdoors and looking out for others

When going out in cold weather, dress in warm layers with a hat, gloves, and a scarf, and choose a waterproof, windproof outer layer, since wet and wind strip heat away fast. Wear sturdy, non-slip footwear to avoid falls on ice. Keep moving to generate warmth, and avoid staying out too long in extreme cold. Take a phone and let someone know your plans if walking in remote areas. During cold snaps, check on older neighbours, relatives, and anyone living alone or unwell, as they are most at risk and may not ask for help. Make sure they are warm enough, have food and hot drinks, and can heat their home. Keeping flu and other recommended vaccinations up to date also helps protect vulnerable people through the winter. A little planning prevents most cold-weather harm.