How should you treat mild hypothermia in the field?

• A. Move to a warm place, remove wet clothing, dry off, cover with blankets, provide warm non-alcoholic fluids if awake, avoid rubbing.
• B. Rub the body to generate heat.
• C. Drink hot coffee with alcohol.
• D. Use a heating pad directly on the chest.

Answer: (A)

In-field care for mild hypothermia focuses on stopping further heat loss and warming the person safely. Moving the person to a warm, sheltered place helps reduce environmental cooling. Removing wet clothing is crucial because moisture accelerates heat loss; drying the person and covering them with warm blankets provides insulation to hold in body heat. If the person is awake and able to swallow, offering warm non-alcoholic fluids can help provide internal warmth without risking impaired judgment or dehydration. Avoid rubbing the body, since massaging can injure cold tissues and doesn’t effectively raise core temperature. Also steer clear of alcohol, which worsens heat loss, and from applying direct heat sources like a heating pad to the chest, as these can cause burns or dangerous rapid warming. The overall approach is gentle, gradual rewarming with protection from further cold exposure.