What is the most common first aid response for hypothermia?

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Rewarming a person who is experiencing hypothermia is the key first aid response because hypothermia occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it, resulting in a dangerously low body temperature. The primary objective in treating someone with hypothermia is to gradually restore their normal body temperature.

When dealing with hypothermia, warming the individual can involve several methods, such as removing any wet clothing, providing warm, dry layers of clothing or blankets, and offering warm, non-alcoholic beverages if the person is conscious and able to swallow. It's crucial to warm the person slowly to avoid complications, such as shock, which can occur if warming is done too quickly.

The other options are not appropriate responses for treating hypothermia. Applying ice packs would further lower body temperature, which is counterproductive. Cooling off in a cool bath is also the opposite of what is needed, as it would exacerbate the problem. Encouraging exercise is not advisable, as physical exertion can actually lead to further heat loss, especially in a hypothermic individual.

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