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Hypothermia Emergency Response

Cold exposure is a real risk during winter chores, calving, ice or water work and storms. Hypothermia is an emergency, and the first step is to call 911. This guide covers preparation and prevention.

Why is cold dangerous on farms?

Winter chores, early morning work, wet conditions, wind, and working near water or ice can all lead to dangerous cold exposure. Breakdowns in remote fields, power outages and storms can strand people far from help. Older adults, children, people with certain health conditions and those who are tired or have been drinking alcohol may be at higher risk.

This article does not provide treatment steps. Official guidance from the CDC, NIOSH and the Red Cross explains cold illness and first aid.

Wind and wet clothing make cold exposure worse than the thermometer suggests, so look at forecasts that include wind chill and plan for rain or snow, not just temperature.

What should you do if someone may have hypothermia?

Call 911. Warning signs of a serious problem can include shivering that is severe or has stopped, confusion, slurred speech, drowsiness, stumbling or clumsy movement and a person who seems very unwell. If you are unsure, call. The dispatcher can give guidance for the situation.

Do not leave the person alone. Make sure you are safe too, especially around ice or water. Do not attempt a rescue on ice or in water without training, and wait for trained responders.

Newborn animals and calving work often involve long periods in cold, wet conditions at odd hours. Set up check-ins for anyone doing night checks, and plan a warm place nearby.

• Call 911.
• Do not leave the person alone.
• Do not go onto ice or into water to rescue.
• Follow the dispatcher's instructions.

How should you plan for winter work?

Check the National Weather Service forecast and warnings before working outside, and adjust plans for wind and wet conditions. Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return. Use check-ins by phone or radio for people working alone, and know where phone coverage is weak.

Plan for vehicle breakdowns and storms. Keep emergency supplies suitable for your region in vehicles and buildings, and make sure workers know the plan. Ask your emergency management office what they recommend for rural winter preparedness.

Power outages can leave farm homes cold for days. Ask your emergency management office about safe heating options, since improvised heating can bring other dangers such as fire and carbon monoxide.

What should crews know?

Everyone should know the early warning signs of cold stress and feel free to take a break or go indoors. Use a buddy system for risky tasks. Encourage workers to say when they are cold, wet or unwell, and to speak up about a coworker.

Share the information in languages your crew uses. Review it before the cold season begins, and review it again when a major storm is forecast.

Check on older neighbors and relatives during cold snaps. Rural isolation increases risk, and a phone call can make a difference.

• Learn the warning signs.
• Use check-ins and buddies.
• Encourage speaking up.
• Review before storms.

How can cold illness be prevented?

Dress for conditions with attention to staying dry and covered, and have the means to change out of wet clothing. Take breaks in a warm place, and eat and drink regularly. Plan the day so that the coldest, wettest tasks are shared and time-limited. Official guidance explains what to wear and how to schedule work.

Be cautious around water, ice and snow cover. Ice thickness and conditions vary and can be misleading, so keep people and animals away from questionable ice and plan alternatives.

Specific numbers for temperature, wind chill and time limits come from official sources, not from this article.

What happens afterward?

Anyone who has had a cold emergency needs medical follow-up. Ask the clinician when it is safe to return to work and what to watch for. If anyone is struggling emotionally, in the US people can call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

Equipment matters too. Keep vehicles fueled and serviced before winter, carry a charged phone and ways to signal for help, and avoid venturing far when storms are forecast.

Write the plan down, including who to call, where supplies are and who checks on whom. A plan on paper beats one in memory when people are cold and stressed.

Where can you learn more?

The CDC and NIOSH publish cold stress information, the Red Cross publishes first aid information, and the National Weather Service issues cold and storm alerts. Your extension office and county emergency management can help with local planning.

Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the Farm Safety Editorial Team. See our editorial policy.