Hypothermia and Cold Exposure in Amman: When Is It an Emergency?
Hypothermia means the body is losing heat faster than it can make it. Call 911 if someone is shivering uncontrollably then stops, is confused, drowsy, slurring their words, very pale or blue, or cannot be woken. Move them somewhere warm and dry while you wait.
Winter in Amman can be cold and wet, and babies, older people, people who are unwell or have been outdoors for long are at highest risk. Do not rely on the room feeling cold to you: they may be colder than they look.
Need help now? Call 911 for a life-threatening emergency, or reach our 24/7 line.
Key takeaways
- Uncontrolled shivering, confusion, slurred speech and drowsiness are warning signs.
- Shivering that stops in someone who is still cold can mean the body is getting worse, not better.
- Babies and older people can become cold indoors without shivering much.
- Move the person somewhere warm and dry, remove wet clothes, and handle them gently.
- Never warm a room with a charcoal or gas heater in a closed space; carbon monoxide is a separate danger.
Hypothermia is not only a mountain or snow problem. It can happen on a cold, wet night, after falling into cold water, in a poorly heated home or to someone who has been outside waiting for a long time. Early signs are easy to miss, and a person who is very cold may not realise how unwell they are. This guide covers the signs and what to do. If you heat your home with a stove or gas heater, read carbon monoxide poisoning from heaters too.
What are the warning signs of hypothermia?
- Intense shivering, cold and pale skin, and cold hands and feet.
- Slow or slurred speech, clumsiness or stumbling.
- Confusion, unusual behaviour or poor judgement.
- Sleepiness or low energy.
- Slow, shallow breathing and a weak pulse in more severe cases.
- Shivering that stops while the person is still cold.
What should I do while waiting for help?
- Call 911 if there are any red flags, and stay with the person.
- Move them somewhere warm and dry, out of the wind and rain.
- Remove wet clothes and wrap them in dry blankets or coats, covering the head.
- Handle them gently and keep them lying down if they are drowsy.
- If they are awake and can swallow safely, a warm, sweet, non-alcoholic drink may be given.
- Do not rub their skin hard, use a very hot bath or put a hot object directly on their skin.
Who is most at risk, and what about frostbite?
Babies, older people, people with long-term illness, those who have been drinking alcohol, people who are underdressed or wet, and anyone living in a cold home are at higher risk. Fingers, toes, ears and nose can also freeze in very cold weather (frostbite): skin may be white, waxy or numb. Do not rub it; get medical help. Alcohol makes things worse, as it can hide the cold and impair judgement: see alcohol poisoning. Tingling or loss of feeling that persists is covered in numbness or tingling.
Cold exposure: how serious is it?
| What it may be | Typical signs | When it happens | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| Just cold | Shivering that stops once warm, alert and talking normally | After time outside | Warm up, dry clothes, warm drink |
| Possible hypothermia | Intense shivering, slurred speech, clumsy, confused | After cold or wet exposure | Go to the ER now; call 911 if drowsy or confused |
| Severe hypothermia | Stopped shivering, very drowsy, cannot be woken, slow breathing | Any time | Call 911 |
| Possible frostbite | White, waxy, numb or hard skin on fingers, toes, ears or nose | After very cold weather | Do not rub; get checked at the ER |
When is this an emergency?
Call 911 or go to the ER now if:
- Confusion, slurred speech or unusual behaviour.
- Very drowsy or cannot be woken.
- Shivering that has stopped while still cold.
- Slow, shallow breathing or a very weak pulse.
- Blue or very pale skin, or a baby who is cold, floppy or not feeding.
- Collapse or loss of consciousness.
- Cold exposure with a head injury, alcohol, or after falling into cold water.
Do any of these match? For a life-threatening emergency call 911. For other urgent problems, our Dabouq emergency department is open 24/7.
See a doctor the same day if:
- Numb, white or waxy fingers, toes, ears or nose after cold weather.
- An older person or someone unwell who has been in a cold home and seems unusually tired or unsteady.
- A child who has been outside in the cold for a long time and is shivering that does not settle once warm.
- Repeated episodes of feeling extremely cold or numb.
May be managed at home, with follow-up, if:
- Dress in layers, including a hat, gloves and dry socks, and keep clothes dry.
- Heat rooms safely and never use a charcoal or gas heater in a closed room.
- Check on older neighbours and relatives during cold, wet weather.
What happens when you come to Emergency Plus?
At the emergency department at Emergency Plus in Dabouq, emergency doctors are on site 24/7 and you can walk in without an appointment. The team will ask about your symptoms, check you, and may use the on-site X-ray, ultrasound or laboratory where they are needed. They will explain the right next step for you, in Arabic or English.
Very cold and not sure it is serious?
For a life-threatening emergency, call 911 and don't drive yourself. For anything urgent that is not life-threatening, the emergency department at Emergency Plus in Dabouq, Amman is open 24/7 with no appointment, with an Arabic and English speaking team.
Call our 24/7 ER: +962 79 247 1313Sources
Medical disclaimer: This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you think you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department immediately. Emergency Plus in Dabouq, Amman is open 24/7 — +962 79 247 1313.