Classification




Hypothermia classification
Swiss system Symptoms By degree Temperature
Stage 1 Awake and shivering Mild 32–35 °C (89.6–95.0 °F)
Stage 2 Drowsy and not shivering Moderate 28–32 °C (82.4–89.6 °F)
Stage 3 Unconscious, not shivering Severe 20–28 °C (68.0–82.4 °F)
Stage 4 No vital signs Profound <20 °C (68.0 °F)

Hypothermia is often defined as any body temperature below 35.0 °C (95.0 °F). With this method it is divided into degrees of severity based on the core temperature.

Another classification system, the Swiss staging system, divides hypothermia based on the presenting symptoms which is preferred when it is not possible to determine an accurate core temperature.

Other cold-related injuries that can be present either alone or in combination with hypothermia include:

  • Chilblains: condition caused by repeated exposure of skin to temperatures just above freezing. The cold causes damage to small blood vessels in the skin. This damage is permanent and the redness and itching will return with additional exposure. The redness and itching typically occurs on cheeks, ears, fingers, and toes.
  • Frostbite: the freezing and destruction of tissue
  • Frostnip: a superficial cooling of tissues without cellular destruction
  • Trench foot or immersion foot: a condition caused by repetitive exposure to water at non-freezing temperatures

The normal human body temperature is often stated as 36.5–37.5 °C (97.7–99.5 °F). Hyperthermia and fever, are defined as a temperature of greater than 37.5–38.3 °C (99.5–100.9 °F).

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Signs and symptoms

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Hypothermia

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