How to Survive Hypothermia

Would you know what to do if a friend developed hypothermia? Army Cadets Ambassador and polar explorer Craig Mathieson reveals the do’s and don’ts.

What is Hypothermia?

Hypothermia occurs when your body cools down faster than it can stay warm. This can be caused

by weather, poor clothing and equipment, lack of food and dehydration.

Don’t be fooled into thinking that you need to be on a polar expedition to experience hypothermia. Craig reveals that, despite having spent time at the poles in temperatures of -25 °c, the coldest he’s ever been is in the Cairngorms in Scotland, thanks to the deadly combination of low temperature and high wind speed.

‘The key to avoiding hypothermia in the first place is preparation,’ says Craig. ‘Make sure you have at least one spare set of clothes – including gloves and hat – and lots of food and liquids (I always

pack what I know I’ll eat, plus double that). Tell people where you’re going and exactly where you are going to camp.

The Scenario

You and a friend decide to take a hike across nearby hills and camp out for the night. It’s early summer and the weather is good, but during the day you get caught in a heavy rain shower. As a result, you, your friend and your gear are all damp when you set up camp.

You change into dry clothing before getting into your sleeping bag but your friend decides to retain the heat they’ve got and layer up more clothes on top of their damp but warm ones.

The temperature drops in the middle of the night and your friend wakes you to complain they’re freezing cold and can’t warm up. They’re shivering, breathing quickly and, when you turn on the torch you can see they look very pale. What should you do?

The Answer

First,’ says Craig, ‘check them to see how serious it looks. Shaking is a good sign that their body is working hard to warm them up. Check their skin, is it cold? Do they have blue lips or fingers? Are they confused, slurring, talking nonsense or have a lack of coordination? I’ve seen a guy shivering violently but telling me he’s fine and taking layers off; behaviour can be irrational.

‘All these are signs of hypothermia and, if you’re cadet age, call 999 and ask for an ambulance and they’ll put you through to Mountain Rescue. They’ll stay on the line and monitor the situation as if they’re with you – and rescue you, if needed.

‘If the person is just shaking, tired, maybe breathing more rapidly and can’t get warm but are not confused or uncoordinated, stay calm and reassure them that they’ll be fine. I’ve seen mild hypothermia turn around in five minutes. Speed is of the essence – don’t wait for them to go into moderate hypothermia. ‘Schedule a call home for a certain time, so if you don’t call, your family will know you could be in trouble. Plan for a survival situation wherever you go.’

‘It’s most important that they get any wet kit off – give them your spare dry kit if you need to – including a dry hat and gloves. While they’re doing that, you have time to get the stove on to make them a hot drink. Try to avoid caffeine but, if you already have hot tea in a flask, give them that. Hot water is fine; hot chocolate better, and give them all of the sugary treats you’ve got with you. Keep talking to them and touch the back of their neck and hands regularly so you can tell if they’re warming up.’

If that doesn’t work, call 999.

Any definite no-no’s? Craig says: ‘Putting every item of their clothing on them and putting them back in their sleeping bag won’t work; there needs to be room for air to circulate or they won’t warm up.

‘Also, don’t rub their skin hard to try and warm them – it could spark a cardiac arrest.’

Polar explorer Craig has many years of military and mountaineering experience and been involved in numerous expeditions to the Antarctic and Arctic. He runs The Polar Academy, a project that takes young people in Scotland on challenging and confidence-building expeditions to the Arctic.