Wilderness Medical Society snowmass 2005 Page 308
Evaluation and Treatment of Hypothermia, Colin K. Grissom, M.D.
page 12
Figure 3. Pre-Hospital Care for Hypothermia
Yes
Insulate
Keep Horizontal
Heated Humidified Oxygen
Cardiac Monitor
Heated IV Fluids
Heat if Possible
Gentle Evacuation
Transport to Hospital
Yes
Assume Cardiac Output
No
Ventilate for 3 Minutes
Pulse?
Check for 60 seconds
Yes
Continue Ventilation, Heated
Humidified Oxygen
No
Cardiac Monitor
Electrical Complexes
VF/VT or
Asystole
Defibrillate up
to a maximum
of 3 shocks if
Temp < 30 ° C,
usual ACLS
protocol if
Temp > 30 ° C
Responsive?
Recheck pulse for 60
seconds
If VF/VT or asystole persists
hold further defibrillations and
withold IV meds if Temp < 30 °
C
Continue CPR
Continue CPR
Insulate
Ventilate with heated humidified oxygen
Heat if Possible
Gentle Evacuation
Transport to Tertiary Hospital
Rescue / Examine
Handle Gently
Respirations?
No
No Pulse,
Start CPR
Pulse
Present
