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

1. The colder someone is, the slower you can go

2. Be gentle and keep horizontal

3. Decrease heat loss

4. 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

Resources:

• Wilderness Medical Society Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Out-of-Hospital Evaluation and Treatment of Accidental Hypothermia: 2019 Update

• Wilderness Medical Society Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Frostbite: 2019 Update

• Baby It's Cold Outside - Hypothermia Awareness and Educational Program