Accidental hypothermia

Accidental hypothermia is an acute medical emergency with a high mortality rate. Physiologic derangements include hypoxemia, hypotension, acidosis, and arrhythmias. Management consists of careful monitoring rewarming, vigorous supportive care, and treatment of underlying and complicating disorders. Active core rewarming is recommended for hypothermia with associated cardiovascular insufficiency or instability and rapid core rewarming for hypothermia with cardiovascular collapse. Otherwise, passive or active external rewarming may be used. Good supportive care with correction of physiologic disturbances and vigorous treatment of underlying and complicating disorders are important in improving the survival rate.