Outlook

People with accidental hypothermia in the range of 95-89.9°F (35-32.2°C) and who are otherwise healthy usually rewarm easily and can be safely sent home. Those with lower core body temperatures are usually admitted to the hospital.

People with uncomplicated hypothermia do better as a group than do people with hypothermia and another associated disease. In fact, outcome depends more on the underlying disease process than the person’s initial temperature or the rewarming method employed.

Age is not always a risk factor, although elderly people tend to have more associated medical problems. People with mild to moderate hypothermia usually have a complete recovery.

People with poor outcomes usually have had cardiac arrest, a very low or no blood pressure, and the need to have breathing assisted with a tube—all before arriving at the hospital.