Build a pile of snow and let it settle for a few hours. Dig a tunnel into the pile and create a sleeping platform. This provides excellent insulation.
Use dry leaves, pine needles, or grass as insulation under your sleeping bag. This prevents heat loss to the ground. Keep your sleeping bag dry.
Do not rub frostbitten skin. Warm the area gradually using body heat or warm (not hot) water. Do not walk on frostbitten feet if possible. Seek medical attention immediately.
Dig a tunnel into a snowdrift or pile of snow. Create a sleeping platform slightly higher than the entrance to keep cold air out. Ventilation is crucial to prevent carbon dioxide buildup.
Never eat snow directly; it lowers body temperature and causes dehydration. Melt snow over a fire or in a container before drinking. If no fire, melt snow in your mouth or use body heat in a sealed bag against your skin.
Early signs include shivering, confusion, and slurred speech. As hypothermia progresses, shivering stops, skin turns blue/pale, and the person becomes lethargic. Immediate action: move to shelter, remove wet clothes, insulate the body with dry layers and body heat.
