Hypothermia: Classification

Severity of hypothermia according to the Swiss classification system.

Stage Core body temperature °C Stage description Clinical symptoms
I 35-32 Mild hypothermia Patient clear, cold shiver
II 32-28 Moderate hypothermia Patient slows, no cold shivering
III 28-24 Severe hypothermia Patient unconscious, breathing
IV < 24 Circulatory arrest or minimal circulation Patient unconscious, respiratory and circulatory arrest
V < 13,7 * Death due to irreversible hypothermia

* The lower temperature limit given according to the Swiss classification system for hypothermia is not defined with certainty as an absolute limit in the scientific literature.