The management of hypothermia is gradual passive rewarming with replacement of fluids
by warmed colloids as rewarming takes place. The increase of temperature should be
0.5–1°C per hour. If this is not achieved by covering the patient with blankets, then warmed
inspired oxygen, warm intravenous fluids, bladder or peritoneal lavage might be consid-
ered. Drugs and physical disturbance should be limited since the myocardium is often irri-
table and susceptible to arrhythmias.
- Hypothyroidism should be considered as a possible contributor to hypothermia.
- Even when alcohol is a cause of unconsciousness, other causes must be excluded.
- The diagnosis of hypothermia requires a thermometer capable of reading low temperatures.
- J-waves on the ECG are specific signs of hypothermia.
- Hypothermia in the elderly is treated by gradual passive rewarming.