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Hypothermia and frostbite

Shivering, clumsy, confused, or slurred speech. White, hard, or waxy skin.

Call 911
Do this nowTap each step when done
  1. 1Call 911 if they're confused, drowsy, or have stopped shivering.
  2. 2Get them out of the cold into a warm room or a heated car.
  3. 3Remove wet clothing. Put on dry clothes or blankets.
  4. 4Warm the trunk first: chest, neck, head, and groin.
  5. 5Warm, sweet drinks only if they're conscious and can swallow.
  6. 6Frostbite: thaw in warm water, not hot.
  7. 7If they aren't breathing: CPR, and keep warming them.
1. Get them out of the cold to a warm place   2. Remove wet clothing: dry clothes or blankets   3. Warm the trunk, neck, head, and groin   4. Frostbite: warm water, not hot
Don't
  • Don't move them roughly or make them walk if they're in bad shape.
  • Don't rub frozen skin.
  • Don't warm them with a stove, fire, or electric heating pad.
  • Never alcohol.
Have ready
  • Blankets and sleeping bags for everyone, pets included.
  • Emergency thermal blankets.
  • Layered clothing, hats, gloves, and thick socks.
  • Hot water bottles.
Key factStopping shivering without having warmed up is a sign of getting worse. It can happen indoors during a blackout, as in historic winter storms.

More detail

Ch. 14 · Extreme cold and snowOpen chapterCh. 7 · First aidOpen chapter
Next urgent cardUnconscious person / not breathing: CPR and AED

Reviewed: Nov 2026 · Sources: Chapter 14 · Extreme cold and snow