Hypothermia

If the casualty is outside, try to get them indoors. If you are unable to get them indoors, try to take them to a sheltered place as quickly as possible, shielding the casualty from the wind.

Remove and replace any wet clothing and make sure their head is covered.

• Do not give them your clothes - it is important for you to stay warm yourself.

Try to protect the casualty from the ground. Lay them on a thick layer of dry insulating material, such as pine branches, heather, or bracken. If possible, put them in a dry sleeping bag or cover them with blankets. If available, wrap them in a foil survival blanket. You can use your own body to shelter them and keep them warm.

Call 999 or 112 for emergency help.

• Do not leave the casualty alone. Somebody must be with them at all times. If you are in a remote area and cannot call for emergency help, send two people to get help together.

If the casualty is fully alert, offer them warm drinks and high energy food such as chocolate.

Monitor their breathing and level of responsiveness while waiting for help to arrive.

If you are indoors, cover the casualty with layers of blankets and warm the room to about 25°C (77°F).

• Do not place any direct heat such as hot water bottles or fires near a casualty as this can cause burns.

Give them something warm to drink, like soup, and high-energy food, like chocolate.

• Do not give the casualty alcohol in an attempt to warm them - it will make hypothermia worse.

If there is no obvious reason for the casualty to have hypothermia, seek medical advice. Hypothermia could be disguising a more serious illness such as a stroke, heart attack, or an underactive thyroid gland.

Monitor their breathing and level of responsiveness until they recover.