When you suspect a person is experiencing hypothermia, what is the first step of care after calling 9-1-1?

When caring for someone suspected of experiencing hypothermia, moving the person to a warmer place is a crucial step because it addresses the core issue of their condition—exposure to cold temperatures. Hypothermia occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it, leading to a dangerously low body temperature. By relocating the individual to a warmer environment, you can significantly reduce further heat loss and help stabilize their body temperature.

Addressing the immediate need for warmth is essential, as other interventions, such as giving warm drinks, removing damp clothing, or covering them with a towel, may not be effective if the person remains in a cold environment. These later steps can be beneficial after moving the person to a warmer location, as they contribute to rewarming efforts, but they should not precede the critical action of relocating to a safer, warmer space.