Premergency First Aid, CPR and AED Manual

9 Other Emergencies

Hypothermia DO NOT Do not rub the patient to stimulate blood circulation. This moves cold blood at the skin surface back to the core, making the patient colder. Do not handle the patient roughly or cause undue exertion. The electrical system of the heart is affected by the cold. Rough handling, bumps, falls, or any exertion can cause the heart to stop beating. Do not give the patient any caffeinated drinks or alcohol. Both affect the heart and circulatory system negatively by increasing heart rate and dilating the vessels which in turn, creates more heat loss.

Warming a Patient Warming a patient with mild to moderate hypothermia focuses on providing the body with a warm, dry, and protected environment. Passive warming This can be as simple as adjusting the patient’s clothing or moving them indoors. Depending on the scene, it could also require blankets, wind, and waterproof covering and insulation from the ground. These methods are considered passive because they do not add heat directly to the patient. Passive warming should be used in all cold emergencies. Active warming is the physical application of warmth to the patient. For a conscious patient able to protect their airway, a warm and sweet drink will help heat the

355

www.preohs.com