Look for poor coordination and jerky movements. Pay special attention to the stomach, lower back, arms, legs, hands, and feet. The skin color is usually very pale, but it may also have large, irregular blue or pink spots. Some hypothermia victims will still be conscious when their body temperatures are as low as 80 degrees. Logical thinking becomes impossible and the person may become completely disoriented.
Memory is affected and familiar things are often forgotten.
Hypothermia is a dangerous, complicated medical problem and the victim needs professional attention. Failure to do so can cause sudden death because the heart is very weak when the body is cold. Hot baths, electric blankets, and hot water bottles can be dangerous. According to the Center for Environmental Physiology, the body needs time to adjust to hot weather. A sudden increase in temperature, especially at this time of year, is particularly serious because it can place a dangerous strain on the heart and blood vessels before the body can acclimate itself.