PanicStation.org
UK USA
us Health & medical scares cold exposure • uncontrollable shivering • shivering and confusion • confused after being outside • hypothermia signs • low body temperature • cold and disoriented • cold and drowsy • stumbling after cold • slurred speech after cold • wet clothes in winter • stuck outside in the cold • winter exposure symptoms • warming up safely • hypothermia first aid • cold stress symptoms • cannot get warm • chilled and shaking • cold confusion help

What to do if…
you have been in the cold and you cannot stop shivering or you start feeling confused

Short answer

Assume possible hypothermia. Get to warmth now and call 911—confusion after cold exposure is an emergency sign.

Do not do these things

  • Do not “tough it out” or keep walking/driving if you’re confused, clumsy, or very sleepy.
  • Do not use hot baths/hot tubs or other rapid rewarming to “heat up fast.”
  • Do not rub or massage cold arms/legs/hands/feet.
  • Do not give alcohol to “warm up.”
  • Do not apply direct heat to skin (hot water, heating pads, heat lamps, space heaters pressed close to you).
  • Do not delay calling 911 while trying home fixes if confusion is present.

What to do now

  1. Get out of the cold immediately. Move indoors or into a sheltered place. Sit or lie down to reduce the chance of falling.
  2. Call 911 right away if you’re confused, very drowsy, hard to wake, or getting worse. Say: “Possible hypothermia—cold exposure, uncontrollable shivering, confusion.”
  3. Get wet clothing off and get dry. Remove wet layers, dry the skin, put on dry layers, and cover your head/neck.
  4. Warm the body slowly (core first). Wrap in blankets/coats focusing on chest and back. Keep movements gentle.
    • If you have supplies, you can place warm, dry compresses on the neck, chest, or groin.
    • Avoid heating arms and legs directly.
  5. If you are fully awake and can swallow safely: sip a warm (not hot), sweet, non-alcoholic drink. Eat a small high-energy snack if tolerated. Stop if you cough or choke.
  6. If you have a thermometer, check temperature if it’s easy—don’t delay care. If it’s below 95°F (35°C), that’s an emergency—but confusion matters even without a number.
  7. Have someone watch you continuously. If you become hard to wake, stop shivering and seem worse, or breathing becomes slow/shallow, that’s urgent—tell 911 dispatch if you haven’t already.
  8. If the person becomes unconscious or isn’t breathing normally: start CPR and follow 911 operator instructions.

What can wait

  • You do not need to figure out the exact cause (weather, wind, fatigue, dehydration, blood sugar, substances) before getting help.
  • You do not need to “finish warming up” before seeking emergency care if confusion is present.
  • You do not need to decide urgent care vs ER right now—911 can triage if symptoms are severe.

Important reassurance

Cold can impair judgment and make people underestimate danger. If you’re confused and shivering hard, it’s reasonable to treat it as an emergency and get help.

Scope note

This is first-steps-only guidance for the next hour. After you’re safe, a clinician may check for complications and for other problems that can look like hypothermia or make it worse.

Important note

This guide is general information, not medical advice or a diagnosis. If you have confusion or other severe symptoms after cold exposure, call 911 or seek emergency care.

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