Signs and symptoms

• Mild: Shivering, goose bumps, cold to touch, irritable, tired, poor judgement.

• Moderate: Blue lips, warm and red limbs due to widening of blood vessels, slow pulse, reduced level of consciousness, slurred speech, confused irrational behaviour, clumsiness, falling over.

• Severe: Faint breathing and pulse, blue limbs.

• Summed up by “the -umbles”:

  • • Grumble

    • Mumble

    • Fumble

    • Stumble

Treatment

• Shelter. Stop and put up tent. Use Emergency Survival Bag.

• Body warmth – ensure casualty is wearing warm, dry clothes, extra layers, inside sleeping bag in tent.

• Sweet drink and emergency rations if conscious

• Evacuate the casualty if able to re-warm, clothing is dry, casualty is able to walk unassisted and improved weather.

• Follow emergency procedure to get help.