What is the first step to take if someone is suspected of having hypothermia?

The first step to take if someone is suspected of having hypothermia is to wrap them in warm clothing. This action is crucial because it helps to conserve the body heat that the individual has left, preventing further cooling and starting the process of rewarming them. Hypothermia occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it, which can lead to a dangerously low body temperature.

Wrapping the person in warm clothing creates a barrier against the cold environment, allowing their body temperature to stabilize. It’s important to use blankets or additional layers of clothing that are dry, as wet clothing can exacerbate heat loss. While assessing vital signs and providing warm liquids are important steps in the care of someone with hypothermia, ensuring the individual is insulated from the cold comes first to prevent further heat loss and stabilize their condition. Leaving someone in a cold environment would worsen their hypothermia and is contrary to effective first aid treatment.