Engaging in outdoor activities during inclement weather can come with a risk of hypothermia. If not detected quickly, hypothermia can cause cardiac failure or death. For this reason, it is important to recognize the condition’s initial warning signs, three of which are below.
Lack of Coordination - Mild hyperthermia restricts muscle movement, leading to stumbling and difficulty speaking. In the more advanced stages, a hyperthermic person may be unable to move and remain in the fetal position.
Incoherence - Hyperthermia impacts higher cognitive functioning, making a person unable to respond logically or answer a complex question. Amnesia and irrational behavior can appear after body temperature falls below 93 degrees Fahrenheit.
Lack of Shivering - Paradoxically, a lack of shivering when extremely cold indicates more severe hypothermia. This is due to the body’s attempt to save energy and redirect blood flow to protect the internal organs.