When temperatures drop, children lose heat faster than adults. Their smaller bodies make them more vulnerable to hypothermia in children, a serious condition that can turn dangerous if not treated quickly. At Express Emergency Room – Temple, families can rely on immediate care and professional support when a child shows warning signs of cold-related distress.

What Is Hypothermia?

Hypothermia happens when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it, causing the core temperature to drop below 95°F (35°C). This can happen even in mildly cool weather if a child is wet, tired, or inadequately dressed.

In simple terms, it’s when the body’s internal furnace can’t keep up—and that’s a red flag that needs quick attention.

Common Causes in Kids

Children are curious and active, often unaware of early signs of danger. Some common causes include:

• Playing outdoors in cold, windy, or wet weather for too long
• Wearing light or damp clothing in low temperatures
• Falling into cold water (even briefly)
• Staying in air-conditioned spaces without warm layers
• Not eating enough calories during cold-weather activities

Even short exposure can cause trouble, especially in infants and toddlers who can’t regulate their body heat effectively.

Early Signs of Hypothermia in Kids

Spotting signs of Hypothermia in kids early can make all the difference. Parents should stay alert for these signs:

• Persistent shivering or trembling
• Cold, pale, or bluish skin
• Slurred speech or confusion
• Slowed breathing or clumsiness
• Fatigue, drowsiness, or irritability

If you notice these warning signs, it’s time to act fast—move the child to a warmer space and begin gentle warming while seeking medical attention.

How Severe Hypothermia Differs

When the body temperature dips below 90°F (32°C), it becomes severe hypothermia, a medical emergency. At this point, shivering may stop, a dangerous sign that the body’s defense system is shutting down.

Other serious symptoms include:

• Unresponsiveness or confusion
• Weak or irregular pulse
• Shallow breathing
• Dilated pupils

If any of these occur, call 911 or head directly to the closest emergency room in Temple. Every minute counts.

What to Do Before Help Arrives

Quick action can help stabilize the child before professional care is available:

• Get indoors immediately. Find a warm, dry shelter.
• Remove wet clothing. Replace it with dry, layered clothes or blankets.
• Use skin-to-skin warmth. A parent’s body heat can help safely rewarm a child.
• Avoid direct heat. Don’t use hot water, heating pads, or blow dryers—these can cause burns or shock.
• Offer warm (not hot) fluids. If the child is alert, small sips of warm drinks help restore core heat.

When to Seek Emergency Hypothermia Treatment

Go to an emergency hypothermia treatment in Temple, TX, immediately if:

• The child stops shivering
• Breathing slows or becomes irregular
• They appear confused or sleepy
• Their skin feels cold and hard

At Express Emergency Room Temple, medical professionals use specialized warming techniques, IV fluids, and continuous temperature monitoring to safely raise body temperature and prevent complications.

Prevention Tips for Parents

Prevention starts with awareness and preparation. Here’s how to keep your kids safe:

• Dress in warm, layered clothing (hat, gloves, boots)
• Change out of wet clothes right away
• Keep outdoor playtime short in freezing weather
• Always supervise water activities—even in mild weather
• Teach older kids to recognize and report when they feel “too cold”

Conclusion

Hypothermia can develop quietly but progress quickly. Knowing what to look for and how to respond can save your child’s life. Stay watchful, stay warm, and when in doubt, seek expert care immediately.