Hypothermia is a medical emergency.  It is when a child’s temperature fall below normal  due to exposure to cold. It usually occurs when the child plays outdoors in extremely cold temperature without wearing proper clothing. The child loses more heat that  she produces. When the body temperature drops to  95°F (35°C) or lower, a person is considered hypothermic.

This condition is very dangerous because when the body temperature is too low, organs can’t function properly. Without treatment , organ failure or even death may occur.

What are the signs of hypothermia ?

Signs of hypothermia include the following :

• confusion
• constant shivering
• clumsiness
• slurred speech
• weak pulse

NOTE

Hypothermia can be prevented during the wintertime by dressing appropriately for the weather and keeping the skin dry.  Call 911 immediately if you suspect that your child has this condition. Until helps arrives, keep the child indoors, remove any wet clothing and wrap him in a blanket or warm clothes.  If  breathing or pulse stops, she will need the mouth to mouth resuscitation or CPR.