How to protect yourself from hypothermia: experts share useful tips

Hypothermia can develop gradually and often goes unnoticed, especially in winter. Not only are those exposed to the cold for a long time at risk, but also people in inadequately heated rooms when the air temperature drops below +10°C.

Doctors advise you to carefully monitor your well-being and the condition of others, since untimely assistance can lead to dangerous consequences.

Symptoms of hypothermia usually develop gradually. In the initial stages, tremors, slurred or slow speech, slow breathing, and a weak pulse may occur. Problems with movement coordination, fatigue, drowsiness, confusion, and memory impairment are often observed.

In severe cases, hypothermia can lead to loss of consciousness, the skin becomes cold to the touch, and may turn bright red. In such situations, it is necessary to stop the cold urgently – go into a warm room or at least find shelter from the wind. Wet or cold clothing should be removed as soon as possible and replaced with dry clothing.

The warming process should be gradual and careful. It is recommended to use warm, dry compresses on the neck, chest, or groin area. It is useful to drink warm, sugary soft drinks and to perform light movements to improve blood circulation.

Doctors warn about the danger of sudden warming. Avoid hot baths or direct exposure to strong heat, as this can be harmful. You should also not rub your limbs, drink alcohol, or smoke, as this creates an additional burden on the cardiovascular system and worsens blood supply.

Preventing hypothermia begins with the right choice of clothing. In winter, it is important to adhere to the principle of multi-layering: the bottom layer should wick away moisture, the middle layer should retain heat, and the outer layer should protect against wind and precipitation. Necessary clothing items during cold weather include a warm hat, gloves, a scarf, and waterproof shoes.