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.

There's more to see -- the rest of this topic is available only to subscribers.

Last updated: May 5, 2010