# AI tells a hiker to treat mild hypothermia by giving alcohol (whiskey, brandy) or coffee to warm up, or to rub the person's extremities

- **ID:** `safety/hypothermia-alcohol-myth`
- **Domain:** safety
- **Category:** physical_safety
- **Verification:** ai_generated
- **Fix Rate:** 92%

## Root Cause

Alcohol causes peripheral vasodilation (widening of blood vessels near the skin), which increases heat loss from the core, worsening hypothermia. Caffeine is a diuretic and can cause dehydration, which impairs thermoregulation. Rubbing extremities can cause cold blood to rush to the core, leading to afterdrop (further core temperature drop) and potential cardiac arrest.

## Version Compatibility

| Version | Status | Introduced | Deprecated |
|---------|--------|------------|------------|
| Wilderness Medical Society Hypothermia Guidelines 2024 | active | — | — |
| American Heart Association Hypothermia Treatment 2023 | active | — | — |
| CDC Hypothermia Prevention 2024 | active | — | — |

## Workarounds

1. **For mild hypothermia (shivering, alert), move the person to a warm environment, remove wet clothing, and provide warm (not hot) sweet drinks (e.g., warm apple juice, sports drink) and high-energy foods. Example: 'Get the person out of wind and rain. Give them warm, sugary drinks like hot chocolate or warm juice. Do not give alcohol or caffeine.'** (90% success)
   ```
   For mild hypothermia (shivering, alert), move the person to a warm environment, remove wet clothing, and provide warm (not hot) sweet drinks (e.g., warm apple juice, sports drink) and high-energy foods. Example: 'Get the person out of wind and rain. Give them warm, sugary drinks like hot chocolate or warm juice. Do not give alcohol or caffeine.'
   ```
2. **Use passive external rewarming: wrap the person in blankets, sleeping bags, or a vapor barrier (e.g., plastic wrap) to trap body heat. Place warm (not hot) water bottles or chemical heat packs on the armpits, groin, and neck. Example: 'Wrap the person in a sleeping bag with a warm water bottle (wrapped in cloth) in the armpits. Do not rub extremities.'** (85% success)
   ```
   Use passive external rewarming: wrap the person in blankets, sleeping bags, or a vapor barrier (e.g., plastic wrap) to trap body heat. Place warm (not hot) water bottles or chemical heat packs on the armpits, groin, and neck. Example: 'Wrap the person in a sleeping bag with a warm water bottle (wrapped in cloth) in the armpits. Do not rub extremities.'
   ```
3. **If the person is unconscious or not shivering (severe hypothermia), call 911 immediately. Handle them gently (no rough movement) and do not give anything by mouth. Use passive rewarming only. Example: 'If the person is unconscious, not shivering, or has a core temperature below 90°F (32°C), call for emergency help. Do not move them roughly; do not give drinks.'** (95% success)
   ```
   If the person is unconscious or not shivering (severe hypothermia), call 911 immediately. Handle them gently (no rough movement) and do not give anything by mouth. Use passive rewarming only. Example: 'If the person is unconscious, not shivering, or has a core temperature below 90°F (32°C), call for emergency help. Do not move them roughly; do not give drinks.'
   ```

## Dead Ends

- **** — Alcohol causes vasodilation, increasing heat loss. It also impairs judgment and coordination, worsening the situation. The feeling of warmth is deceptive. (90% fail)
- **** — Rubbing can cause cold blood from the extremities to flow to the core, causing afterdrop and potentially triggering cardiac arrhythmias. It also damages cold-injured tissue. (85% fail)
- **** — Caffeine is a diuretic, leading to dehydration, which impairs the body's ability to generate heat through shivering. It can also increase heart rate, which may be dangerous in hypothermia. (70% fail)