What is the first sign of hypothermia?

Shivering is recognized as the first physiological response to hypothermia, indicating that the body is attempting to generate heat. When exposed to cold conditions, the body's initial reaction is to shiver, which is an involuntary muscle contraction designed to increase body temperature. This response reflects the body's effort to maintain its normal temperature range and counteract the heat loss due to cold exposure.

As hypothermia progresses, other symptoms like fatigue, confusion, and irritability may emerge, but shivering is typically the earliest and most noticeable sign. Each of those later symptoms suggests a more advanced stage of hypothermia, where the body's ability to manage temperature is more significantly impaired. Recognizing shivering early is crucial for intervention, as it serves as a signal to act before hypothermia escalates to a more dangerous level.