Hypothermia Isn't Just a Mountain Problem: How to Spot and Treat Cold Emergencies in Southern California
· 7 minutes · David Onori
Excerpt: Hypothermia isn't just a mountain problem — surfers, early-morning hikers, and damp, windy Southern California days can drop core temperature too. Learn the early warning signs (the "umbles," and shivering that stops), the safe response steps, frostbite basics, and how to prevent cold emergencies on the coast, trails, and at home.
As fall turns toward winter, cooler mornings and damp, breezy days can catch people off guard. Hypothermia may bring to mind snowy mountains, but a cold ocean swim, wet clothes, or a long day outdoors can also put someone at risk here in Southern California.
I see why people may underestimate that risk. A surfer leaving the water, an early-morning hiker in Temecula or Murrieta, or someone outdoors after sunset near Lake Elsinore or Menifee might not expect a cold emergency. But wet, windy, and tired is a risky combination, especially for older adults and young children.
Knowing what to notice, and what to avoid doing, can help you act calmly while emergency help is on the way.
What hypothermia is, and how it can happen here
Hypothermia is a dangerous condition that occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can replace it. A core body temperature below about 95°F (35°C) is considered hypothermia. It can happen in cold air or water, and prolonged exposure to wet or windy conditions can contribute even when the weather doesn’t feel extremely cold. The Red Cross hypothermia guidance describes the condition and its signs.
Water and wind speed heat loss. Add exhaustion, and it may become harder for someone to protect themselves or recognize that their condition is worsening. People who get wet, older adults, and young children may be especially vulnerable.
Recognize the “umbles”, and watch for shivering to stop
A useful early-warning cue is the “umbles”: stumbles, mumbles, fumbles, and grumbles. Someone who is getting too cold may become clumsy, speak unclearly, struggle with simple tasks, or seem unusually irritable or confused.
Other warning signs can include shivering, cold or pale skin, unusual tiredness, poor coordination, confusion, or a glassy stare. In infants, cold skin and unusually low energy are also concerning.
As hypothermia worsens, shivering may become weaker or stop. That is a red flag, not a sign that the person is warming up. Confusion, unresponsiveness, or slow or abnormal breathing make the situation more urgent. Call 911 for moderate or severe signs, and don’t wait to see whether the person improves on their own.
How to help someone with suspected hypothermia
If you suspect hypothermia, focus on safety, getting help, and preventing further heat loss. The HSI cold-emergencies resource also discusses signs of cold exposure and safe response.
- Call 911 for moderate or severe symptoms. Call immediately if the person is confused, unusually drowsy, no longer shivering, unresponsive, or breathing slowly or abnormally. Follow the dispatcher’s instructions.
- Move them gently out of the cold. Get them to shelter or a warmer place if you can do so safely. Avoid unnecessary movement, especially if they seem severely affected.
- Remove wet clothing and dry them. Replace wet clothes with dry layers, and wrap the person in dry blankets or other insulation. Cover the head and neck while keeping the face clear.
- Warm the core first. Focus on the chest and trunk; keep the neck and head covered, and insulate the rest of the body. If you have warm packs or warm-water bottles, wrap them in cloth before placing them against the body. Avoid applying intense heat directly to the skin.
- Offer a warm, sweet drink only if they are fully awake and able to swallow. Don’t give food or drink to someone who is confused, very drowsy, or unresponsive. Never give alcohol.
- Keep checking their breathing and responsiveness. Handle them gently. If they become unresponsive and are not breathing normally, be ready to start CPR and use an AED if one is available. Follow your training and the dispatcher’s directions.
Do not rub their arms or legs, massage them, or use a fire, hot bath, or direct high heat to warm them. Rapid or uneven warming can be dangerous, and cold skin may be more easily injured by heat.
A severely hypothermic person may breathe very slowly, and their signs can be difficult to assess. Don’t assume they are okay because they are quiet or no longer shivering; keep monitoring them until EMS takes over.
What about frostnip or frostbite?
Cold can also injure fingers, toes, ears, and the nose. Frostnip may cause numbness or pale, cold skin; frostbite can be more serious. Move the person to shelter, remove wet or constricting items if possible, and rewarm affected areas with skin-to-skin contact or warm, not hot, water. Do not rub the area. Seek medical care for suspected frostbite, particularly if the skin is hard, blistered, or remains numb. See the Red Cross information on hypothermia and frostbite.
Prevent cold emergencies before heading out
A few simple habits can help you stay warmer and respond sooner if conditions change:
- Wear layers, including a wind- or water-resistant outer layer, and bring a hat.
- Pack extra dry clothes, socks, and a towel if swimming or spending time near the water.
- Bring snacks and water, and take breaks if you’re cold or tired.
- Check the weather and plan for changing conditions, especially on early hikes or outings that may run into the evening.
- Keep an eye on children, older adults, and anyone who gets wet or seems unusually tired.
Practice the response before an emergency
Cold emergencies can be confusing because early signs may look like ordinary tiredness or clumsiness. In my First Aid and CPR/AED classes, I help people practice recognizing when someone needs help and responding with calm, practical steps.
I’m David Onori, the sole instructor at Code Blue Safety Skills, and I travel to provide mobile, appointment-only training across San Diego County, Temecula, Murrieta, Menifee, Lake Elsinore, and Rancho Murrieta. I offer hands-on and blended training for individuals and groups.
If you’d like to set up a class, contact me by email at d.onori@codebluesafetyskills.com or call (951) 669-4177. Please include the specific dates you want for the class, your preferred location, the course you need, and an approximate group size. Scheduling is by appointment only, so contact me to confirm availability.
First aid does not replace calling 911, and CPR does not guarantee survival. Recovery from severe hypothermia is never guaranteed. When someone may be seriously ill, call for emergency help and follow the dispatcher’s instructions.
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David Onori
David Onori is a trained EMR and American Red Cross certified instructor who personally leads mobile First Aid and CPR/AED classes throughout the service area.