HYPOTHERMIA OUTDOORS AND INDOORS

 

Hypothermia may occur outdoors or indoors. The key
to prevention, is taking necessary measures to stop this.
It is important to understand the causes and ways to
prevent the occasion. Here are some helpful hints:

- THINK AHEAD if going hiking , skiing or engaging in other
  outdoor activities.
- Always carry an extra set of warm clothing and enough fluids.
- Try to keep small children well hydrated  and avoid prolonged 
  overexposure of small children to very cold weather.

Scenario: In the image above, a patient has just arrived in PACU.
His core temperature is 95 degrees ( Fahrenheit).The above patient
is also at risk for a cardiac event, due to lack of oxygen.

Hypothermia increases the body's need for oxygen, A lethal cardiac
arrhythmia such as asystole may result.

A bair hugger or warm blankets may be used to combat hypothermia

in PACU.