Hypothermia happens when your core body temperature falls below normal. It can easily happen in cold winds or wetness. You can avoid hypothermia if you guard against dehydration, fatigue, cold winds, wet clothes, and we are aware of the symptoms. Your body automatically begins to shiver to re-warm itself. As your energy is used up to keep warm, you may reach a point where your body will be unable to re-warm itself. If left untreated, your body will gradually shut down and you can die.

Symptoms of hypothermia include slurred speech, loss of coordination, confusion, apathy, and irrational behaviour.

If you recognize hypothermia in someone, move the victim to shelter, remove wet clothes, and replace them with warm, dry garments. If the victim is alert enough to hold a cup, give warm liquids to drink. Never give food or drink to an unconscious victim — he or she may choke. To help speed re-warming, place the victim in a pre-warmed sleeping bag.

If the victim is unconscious, seek medical help immediately, before re-warming.