What is an indicator of severe hypothermia?

Severe hypothermia is characterized by a significant drop in core body temperature, usually below 95°F (35°C). As the body struggles to manage this drop, several physiological and behavioral changes occur. One of the key indicators of severe hypothermia is the inability to walk, which reflects the body's extreme state of cold stress and compromised motor function.

When a person is experiencing severe hypothermia, their muscles and coordination can become severely impaired due to decreased energy levels and muscle function, leading to an inability to walk or move effectively. This shows how the body is not functioning properly and is unable to maintain normal activities due to the overwhelming impact of the cold.

In contrast, excessive sweating and shivering typically occur in milder cases of cold exposure. A calm demeanor can also be misleading—while it may seem like someone is stable, it can sometimes indicate a lack of physiological response due to extreme cold affecting mental function, but it is not a definitive indicator of severe hypothermia. Therefore, the inability to walk serves as a critical sign that the individual is experiencing severe hypothermia and requires urgent medical attention.