Hypothermia is a dangerous drop in core body temperature below 35°C, affecting the whole body, including the brain and organs, and can be fatal if untreated. Symptoms progress from shivering and confusion to loss of coordination, unconsciousness, and death, often caused by prolonged exposure to cold, wet, or windy conditions. 

Frostbite is the freezing of skin and underlying tissues, usually in extremities like fingers, toes, nose, or ears. It causes localized numbness, pale or gray skin, and a hard or waxy feel, with severe cases leading to blisters or tissue death. While frostbite can cause permanent damage or amputation, it does not kill by itself.

Objective 

Describe and differentiate the stages and clinical presentations of hypothermia and frostbite

Scenario 

You attend the scene for a group of individuals with two of them requiring care, both feel cold to the touch.  

One is a 46 year old male pt who is complaining of foot pain, upon a physical exam you note his toes are white and he has limited mobility. He is not dressed for the weather. The other is a 52 year old female who is lethargic with decreased mobility and states she has no complaints. 

Which one of them do you suspect may be suffering from hypothermia?

Key Content

Stages of Hypothermia 

Takeaway Message

Hypothermic patients can be challenging to assess because their signs and symptoms—such as altered mental status, bradycardia, hypotension, and shallow respirations—closely mimic those of other medical emergencies like overdose, stroke, or sepsis. This overlap can delay recognition and appropriate treatment, especially in urban environments where hypothermia may not be top of mind. Maintaining a high index of suspicion, especially in vulnerable or exposed populations, is key to early identification and care.

For further information regarding hypothermia and treatment please follow this link to watch a video with our very own Dr. Jon Smith. 

Hypothermia Video - with Dr. Jon Smith