What symptom might indicate a victim is struggling with hypothermia?

Shivering, confusion, and slurred speech are classic signs of hypothermia. When a person's body temperature drops significantly due to exposure to cold environments, their body attempts to generate heat, resulting in shivering. However, as hypothermia progresses, the body's ability to shiver diminishes, leading to confusion and disorientation due to the impact of the cold on brain function. Slurred speech is another indicator that signals cognitive impairment, a common effect of hypothermia as the body struggles to maintain core temperature and metabolism slows down.

In contrast, rapid heartbeat is more commonly associated with heat-related illnesses, not hypothermia. Vomiting and fatigue can occur in various conditions, but they are not specific signs of hypothermia. Excessive sweating is also indicative of heat-related issues and does not occur in hypothermia, where the body is attempting to conserve heat rather than expel it. Understanding these signs is critical for early recognition and response to hypothermia in victims.