What action should you take if someone is hypothermic?

Moving a hypothermic individual to a warm environment is crucial because exposure to cold temperatures can further decrease body temperature, leading to more severe complications. A warmer space allows for rewarming of the body without the risk of rapid temperature fluctuations. It provides a controlled setting where additional measures, such as dry clothing and warm drinks, can be administered safely.

In contrast, alcohol can impair the body’s ability to regulate temperature and can also lead to increased heat loss, which is counterproductive in treating hypothermia. Encouraging exercise may seem like a way to generate warmth; however, physical exertion can actually strain the body and contribute to further heat loss in someone suffering from hypothermia, as the body diverts blood to the extremities instead of maintaining core warmth. Leaving a person in wet clothing can also exacerbate the situation, as moisture draws heat away from the body more rapidly, intensifying the hypothermia. Thus, the best course of action is to ensure the individual is moved to a warm environment where they can receive appropriate care.