Hypothermia is caused by a reduction in body temperature, usually through exposure to cold water or cold weather. It is defined in stages. Untreated hypothermia, especially in the later stages is extremely serious. It can result in organ death, heart arrhythmias, or extreme disorientation that results in remaining outdoors and shedding clothing because one doesn’t feel the cold. If the person is not found and quickly treated, death is likely.

The first stage of hypothermia has been experienced by many people at one time or another. It is defined as a drop in body temperature of one to three degrees. Normal body temperature is considered 98.6 F (37 C). Stage one hypothermia drops the body's temperature from 96.5-95 F (35.83-35 C). One may feel the hands get numb, goose bumps, mild shivering. One may also note that the lips appear blue. Kids who get into a cold body of water can quickly show evidence of stage one hypothermia. The best thing to do is get them out of the water, and cover them with a warm towel.

The second stage of hypothermia drops body temperature to between 95 and 91.4 F (35-33 C). Hypothermia in this stage is dangerous. People may not be able to use their muscles properly, they may be confused, and their extremities may feel completely numb. One can see pallor of the skin, and the lips and extremities may be blue in color. Shivering is usually extreme, since shivering is an attempt to keep the body warm.

Third stage hypothermia is defined by body temperature at or below 90 F (32.22 C). Though people may not shiver in this stage, they still have difficulty moving. The heart beats faster, confusion is significant and organs begin to fail. Without treatment, hypothermia at this stage is fatal.

Hospitals treat hypothermia by using warming blankets. They may also use intravenous warm fluid to help warm up the organs and improve circulation. They also carefully monitor the heart for any sign of irregular heart rhythms that could stop the heart.

When one cannot get to a hospital, getting the person inside best treats hypothermia. People may also need to use CPR if the person is not breathing. The best treatment is attempting to warm the person, and performing CPR as necessary until help comes. If you can’t find an indoor environment, use blankets, jackets, or whatever you may have to keep the person from lying directly on the ground. Never use heating pads or give a person with suspected hypothermia alcohol as this can worsen the condition.

However, in conditions that might induce hypothermia, you should not give up your own sources of warmth if you do not have access to an indoor environment. In this case it may be best to lie on the person to help confer some of your body warmth to them.

What causes these dramatic drops in body temperature are actually the body’s way of attempting to help itself. As the body is exposed to cold, the capillaries and veins supplying the extremity start to constrict. This constriction continues as cold exposure continues. The end result of course stops blood flow to the organs resulting in tissue death.

The best ways to prevent hypothermia are to dress warmly, covering all extremities in cold weather. Do not swim in lakes or pools that are very cold. Be certain to keep the head covered in cold weather, as most heat is lost through the head. Avoid hiking in areas with rapid weather changes without a full supply of extreme weather gear, and a cellphone or mobile radio in case of emergencies.