How should a patient with mild hypothermia be treated in the field?

• A. Move to a warm environment; remove wet clothing; cover with dry blankets; provide warmed nonalcoholic fluids if conscious; monitor vitals; transport
• B. Submerge in warm bath
• C. Apply heating pad directly on skin
• D. Leave outside to acclimate

Answer: (A)

In mild hypothermia the aim in the field is to prevent further heat loss and support the body’s own warming process while arranging rapid transport for definitive care. Start by moving the patient to a warmer environment and removing wet clothing, since wet fabric conducts cold onto the body and promotes ongoing cooling. Once dry, cover with dry blankets or a sleeping bag to trap heat and insulate. If the patient is conscious and able to swallow, offer warmed, nonalcoholic fluids to help raise core temperature from the inside. Throughout, monitor vital signs—heart rate and rhythm, breathing, level of consciousness—because hypothermia can cause slowing of the heart and respiration and can mask severity. Transport promptly so professionals can continue rewarming and address any underlying causes.

Avoid submerging in a warm bath, since rapid core warming from water immersion can cause dangerous cardiovascular effects, including afterdrop. Do not apply heating pads directly to the skin, which can cause burns and arrhythmias, and do not leave the patient outside to acclimate, which would let cooling continue.