[Accidental hypothermia: treatment of a case using peritoneal irrigation]

A case of accidental hypothermia is reported. This patient was rewarmed by using a peritoneal irrigation. Rewarming was rapid and without complication. The patient was discharged from the hospital free from any sequellae. Peritoneal irrigation constitutes a fast and effective technique of core body rewarming in cases of moderate or severe hypothermia. Another advantage of this method is that it can be accomplished without complicated equipment and that it can be used even in small community hospitals.