Chapter 2

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The air in cold climates and at high altitudes lacks moisture.
Cold causes frequent urination.

Symptoms
2-81. Symptoms of dehydration include darkening urine, decreased amounts of urine being produced, dry
mouth, tiredness, mental sluggishness, lack of appetite, headache, fainting, rapid heartbeat, dizziness,
higher temperature, upset stomach, and unconsciousness. The symptoms of dehydration are similar to those
of hypothermia. To distinguish between them, open the victim’s clothes and feel the stomach. If the
stomach is cold, the victim is probably hypothermic; if it is warm, he is probably dehydrated. However, this
test is not conclusive since cold-weather dehydrating can also lead to total body cooling. The cold
environment may act as a diuretic and impair the body’s ability to conserve fluid (cold-induced diuresis and
increased rate of urination).
Treatment
2-82. Prevent dehydration by consuming three to six quarts of fluids each day (forced drinking in the
absence of thirst is mandatory) and avoid caffeine and alcohol, which may chemically contribute to
dehydration. Keep the victim warm and treat for shock. In advanced cases, administer fluids by mouth if
the victim is conscious. Do not let him eat snow; eating snow uses body heat. Allow the victim to rest. If he
fails to improve within one hour or is unconscious, evacuate him to a medical facility immediately.

HYPOTHERMIA
2-83. Hypothermia is the lowering of the body core temperature at a rate faster than the body can produce
heat. Hypothermia may be caused by exposure or by sudden wetting of the body such as falling into a lake
or being sprayed with fuel or other liquid. Hypothermia can occur even on moderate days with
temperatures of 40 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit with little precipitation if heat loss exceeds heat gain and the
condition of the Soldier is allowed to deteriorate. Hypothermia is classified as mild (core temperature
above 90 degrees Fahrenheit or 32 degrees Celsius) or severe (core temperature below 90 degrees
Fahrenheit or 32 degrees Celsius). An individual is considered to be “clinically hypothermic” when the
core temperature is less than or equal to 95 degrees Fahrenheit.

Contributing Factors
2-84. Factors that contribute to hypothermia are—
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Dehydration.
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Poor nutrition.
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Diarrhea.
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Decreased physical activity.
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Accidental immersion in water.
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Change in weather.
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High winds.
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Inadequate types or amounts of clothing.

Symptoms
2-85. Body temperature refers to the core (rectal) temperature. Symptoms become progressively worse as
the body temperature drops.
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96 degrees Fahrenheit.
—
Shivering (begins about 2 degrees below normal body temperature).
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Uncontrollable shivering (about 96 degrees).
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Inability to care for self.
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Clumsiness (stumbling or falling).
—
Slow reactions.

2-16

TC 3-97.61

26 July 2012