Which combination indicates severe hypothermia symptoms?

• A. Increased shivering and alertness
• B. Warm dry skin
• C. Loss of shivering, unconsciousness
• D. Rapid pulse and sweating

Answer: (C)

When hypothermia reaches a severe stage, the body's protective shivering often stops and mental status deteriorates, leading to unconsciousness. This combination—no shivering plus a loss of consciousness—is a clear signal that the core temperature has fallen very low and the condition is life-threatening.

Shivering is an early attempt to generate heat, so its absence points to advanced hypothermia. In contrast, warm, dry skin or a rapid, sweating pulse would not align with severe cold exposure; the skin is typically cold, pale, or blue, and consciousness is impaired as the situation worsens.

If you see someone with no shivering who is unconscious in a cold-water or icy environment, prioritize urgent medical help, move them to a warm, dry place, insulate them, monitor breathing, and begin gradual rewarming as advised by responders.