Hypothermia

What is supportive care for hypothermia?

• be gentle

• secure/maintain airway

• remove wet garments

• move patient to warm/dry environment and protect from heat loss

• O2 above or at 94%

• obtain vitals (temp, FSBG)

• cardiac monitoring

What is considered mild hypothermia?

• 90-95F

• ataxia

• slurred speech

• confusion

• impaired judgement

• shivering

What is considered moderate hypothermia?

• 82-90F

• bradycardia

• hyporeflexia

• decreased/absent shivering

What is considered severe hypothermia?

• <82F

• weak/absent pulse

• hypotensive

• unresponsive

• fixed/dilated pupils

• pulmonary edema

• ventricular dysrhythmia

Treatment for mild hypothermia.

• passive external rewarming

Treatment for moderate hypothermia.

• active external rewarming

• warm packs to groin, axillae, neck, and trunk

• 20mL NS bolus

Treatment for severe hypothermia.

• continue with moderate rewarming

• confirm pulse/rhythm every 30-45 seconds

Special notes for hypothermic patients.

• field temp can be imprecise so recognizing stages is important

• if resuscitation needed, intubate only if pt is in V-fib or asystole