2.08 - Hypothermia (Environmental - Adult & Pediatric)

Section 1: General Patient Care

Section 2: Medical Protocols

Section 3: Cardiac Emergencies

Section 4: Trauma Protocols

Section 5: Airway Protocols & Procedures

Section 6: Medical Director Options

Section 7: Medical Policies & Procedures

Section 8: Special Operations Principles

Appendices

EMT-Basic (Standing Orders)

1.0 Routine Patient Care
Avoid Rough Movement and Prevent Further Heat Loss:
Insulate from the ground and shield from wind/water
Move to a warm environment as soon as practical
Remove any wet clothing
Cover with warm blankets, particularly the head
Determine patient’s hemodynamic status: Assess pulse and respiratory rates for a period of 60 seconds to determine pulselessness or profound asystole, for which CPR would be required.
If patient is in cardiopulmonary arrest, refer to:

Initiate CPR and administer oxygen using appropriate oxygen delivery device, as clinically indicated.
Use AED according to the ECC guidelines or as otherwise noted in these Protocols and other advisories.

Whenever possible, use warmed, humidified oxygen (104°F – 107°F, 40°C – 42°C) by non-rebreather mask, during resuscitation procedures for hypothermic patients.
CAUTION: Do NOT administer anything orally if patient does not have a reasonable level of consciousness and normal gag reflex.
Manage hypoglycemia and narcotic overdose per protocol.

Warm IV Fluids should be used.

If pulse and breathing are absent, treat per Cardiac Arrest Protocols.

Do NOT massage extremities in an attempt to actively rewarm the patient.