Prevent and manage hypothermia in personnel

If hypothermia is suspected, medical advice should be sought.

If the person is conscious and able to, they should be encouraged to keep moving. They should be given warm drinks or high energy food.

The effects of hypothermia can be prevented or managed by:

• Moving the person to a warmer environment
• If they cannot be moved indoors, providing some insulation for them to lie on
• Replacing wet clothing with dry clothes, making sure their head is covered
• Covering the person with blankets

For further information refer to Performing rescues – Failure to assess, identify and treat life-threatening problems of the casualty