You are assessing a conscious but confused hunter who became lost in the woods on a cold day. Your assessment shows him to have an open airway, adequate breathing, and a weak radial pulse. His skin is cold to the touch and he is shivering. The EMT should recognize that the:

A) cold has caused the brain to become dysfunctional, as evidenced by the shivering.
B) shivering actually represents a small seizure, indicating that the brain is cold.
C) shivering is a protective means by which the body is attempting to warm itself.
D) shivering indicates that the patient's core body temperature has fallen below 90°F.

C