Ways To Treat Hypothermia

Cover With Blankets

Blankets are the safest source of rewarming for patients affected by hypothermia. To provide the most warmth, use several layers of blankets or coats laid on top of each other. Fleece, mylar, and wool blankets are all suitable. Be sure to cover the patient's entire body, including the top of their head, with the blankets. The patient's head could also be covered with a hat. Only the patient's face should be left exposed. Do not use any electric blankets or heating pads during the rewarming process. Doing so may cause burns and could also rewarm the patient too quickly, leading to irregular heartbeats and potentially to cardiac arrest. After covering the patient with blankets, their breathing rate should be monitored. For patients in the hospital, staff have heated blankets used to safely increase a patient's temperature. This is known as passive rewarming.

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Drink Warm Beverages

Patients who are in the early stages of hypothermia will probably still be able to swallow. If they are awake and alert, these patients should be encouraged to drink warm beverages. Suitable beverages should be free from caffeine and alcohol and should be both warm and sweet. Caffeine-free teas, hot chocolate, warm milk, or apple cider would all be appropriate choices. For patients who are in later stages of hypothermia and are not alert enough to drink for themselves, hospital staff at the emergency room may use warmed saline solution administered with an IV to help patients warm up quickly and safely. Hospital staff can also rewarm the patient using a hemodialysis machine, which is most often used for patients with kidney conditions. These machines remove blood from the patient, warm it up, and recirculate it back into the patient's body. Oxygen that has been humidified may also be provided to the patient with a nasal tube or oxygen mask to help warm the patient's airways and increase their temperature.

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