Hypothermia can complicate the treatment of trauma patients and has been associated with increased morbidity and mortality. As many as 50% of trauma patients are hypothermic by the time they reach the hospital. This is associated with impaired coagulation, metabolic acidosis from poor tissue perfusion, respiratory problems, and hemodynamic instability. Hypothermia contributes to poor cardiovascular function and increased risk of infections.
Hypothermia occurs in the trauma patient because of exposure, infusion of cold fluids and blood, opening of body cavities, decreased heat production, and impaired thermoregulation. Treatment begins with prevention of further heat loss. Other treatment includes removing wet clothing as soon as possible, applying warm blankets, and administering warm fluids. For patients with a body temperature of less than 96 degrees, a bair hugger should be utilized. The level one fluid warmer should be used for patients receiving large amounts of fluids and blood products and on any patient who has a body temperature less than 95 degrees.
References
Navarro, K. (2011). Hypothermia and trauma: A deadly combination. Retrieved from EMS1.com
Gandy, W., & Grayson, S. (2012). Mistakes in trauma care: Cold fluids and cold ambulances spell trouble for patients. EMS World 41(7), 32-36.
Jayasekara, R. (2011). Hypothermia: Management. Evidence summaries-Joanna Briggs Institute 1-3.
Kheirbek, T., Kochanek, A., & Alam, H. (2009). Hypothermia in bleeding trauma: a friend or a foe? Scandinavian Journal of Trauma Rescuscitation and Emergency Medicine 17(65). doi: 10.1186/1757-7241-17-65
