Hypothermia Evac
Hypothermia - the Disease of the Ill Prepared
Evac
It is important to know when to evac and how to evac a hypothermic subject. Remember that gentle and horizontal treatment can reduce the risk of cardiac arrest by avoiding a decrease in blood pressure.
Treatment Priorities for a Cold Patient
The colder someone is, the slower you can go
Be gentle and keep horizontal
Decrease heat loss
Increase heat gain
Treating a Hypothermic Subject
Keep patient horizontal and treat as gently as possible.
Add heat to the upper torso (chest, arm pits and back)
Try to stop evaporative heat loss
Use a vapor barrier wrap or
In a Sheltered Area
Only remove clothing in a shelter
Cut off clothing for moderate and severe hypothermia
Put on dry clothes
Add as much insulation as possible
Moving a Hypothermic Subject
Take your time and be gentle
Keep the subject horizontal
Make slow, deliberate movements
Don't jostle or roughly handle a hypothermic subject