How can I recognize symptoms of hypothermia on myself and other people I camp with?
Here are the basic signs of Hypothermia
- Shivering. May start off mildly and go severe
- General apathy and sudden exhaustion
- Losing coordination (can't tie a knot, etc)
- Loss of concentration
- Sudden irrational behavior
- Unable to speak correctly (slurred speech, dropping words)
Edit per comments
- Final stages: Shivering can stop and subject can feel too warm and removing clothing
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1I've found that you can catch the apathy (usually they stop joining in on conversation), loss of co-ordination and concentration as pretty good indicators before shivering - make them eat something (a chocolate bar or something energy-packed) and, if possible, get another layer on them - keep an eye on them in case they progress further, but everyone I've done this with has bounced back enough to get them off the hill and into a warm hostel. – HorusKol Jan 25 '12 at 9:58
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3Also worth pointing out that in the final stages the shivering can stop and the subject can feel too warm and start tearing off clothes - don't assume it's a good sign if shivering stops! – berry120 Jan 25 '12 at 17:06
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