Which of the following should you NOT do when treating a patient with a cold emergency?

• A. Have the patient walk, if possible
• B. Keep the patient dry and sheltered
• C. Replace wet clothing with dry garments
• D. Monitor vital signs and provide warmth

Answer: (A)

In a cold emergency, the priority is to minimize heat loss and stabilize the patient. Movement and exposure that increase heat loss should be avoided, because as the body tries to recover from cold stress, exertion like walking can worsen core cooling and raise the risk of injury or fainting. So, do not urge the patient to walk.

Instead, keep them still, insulate them from the cold, and provide warmth. Remove wet clothing and replace it with dry garments; keep the patient dry and sheltered from wind and further exposure. Providing blankets and a warm environment helps the body rewarm gradually without shocking the system. At the same time, monitor vital signs to detect any signs of deterioration and guide further care. These steps focus on conserving heat, protecting from further loss, and ensuring safe assessment and treatment.