Hypothermia

First Things First (assess & treat for the following)

• The age-old dictum is “a patient is not dead until he is warm and dead.”
  • Continue rewarming efforts in pulseless, lifeless pts until core body temp is 32 C or higher.
• Hypothermia: core temp 35 C (95 F) or less
• Aggressiveness of required rewarming is dictated by the severity of hypothermia.
• Pts w/ significant hypothermia & obtundation are at increased risk for gastric aspiration; secure their airways early.
• ACLS resuscitation drugs are unlikely to be effective until core temp exceeds 28-30 C.
• Be sure your thermometer has an effective range that will capture actual body temp (many don’t go low enough).
• Excessive pt handling may precipitate arrhythmias.