Hypothermia on the hills
Hypothermia can develop faster than most people expect, especially in wet and windy conditions. Knowing the signs early gives you time to act.
What it is
Hypothermia occurs when your core body temperature drops below 35°C. At altitude and in wet conditions, this can happen even in summer — the combination of wind, rain and exhaustion is enough.
Early signs
Shivering (the body's attempt to generate heat), pale skin, stumbling or loss of coordination, slurred speech, confusion or poor decision-making. If someone in your group starts making odd decisions or slowing down dramatically, take it seriously.
Severe hypothermia
Shivering stops (the body has given up trying to warm itself), extreme confusion, drowsiness, very slow breathing. This is a medical emergency — call 999 immediately.
What to do
Get them out of the wind. Add insulation — spare kit, a survival bag, whatever you have. Replace wet layers with dry ones if possible. Give warm (not hot) drinks if they're conscious and can swallow safely. Do not rub the skin vigorously. Do not give alcohol. Call 999 if they're deteriorating.
Prevention
Carry more than you think you need. A spare base layer in a dry bag is light and could matter a lot. Eat regularly — your body needs fuel to generate heat. Know when to turn back. A summit can wait.
In an emergency
- Call 999 or 112 → ask for Police → then Mountain Rescue
- No signal? Text 999 — pre-register first: text "register" to 999
- Coastal routes: ask for Coastguard instead of Mountain Rescue