BOATsmart! Base de connaissances du Canada
Module 07 - Emergency Preparedness
Stages of Hypothermia
If suffering from hypothermia, the victim’s core body temperature drops below normal levels, resulting in weakened muscular functions, reduced co-ordination and slowing of mental functions.
A person suffering from hypothermia will exhibit progressive symptoms including:
1. Early stage:
- The victim is still conscious
- Shivering
- Slurred speech
2. Intermediate stage:
- The victim may be irrational, confused and sleepy and will exhibit a lack of co-ordination
- Slow and weak pulse
- Slow breathing
- Shivering exhibited in the early stage will now be slowed or absent
3. Final stage:
- The victim may lose consciousness
- Weak, irregular or absent pulse
- Weak, irregular or absent breathing
