Accidental hypothermia.
Hypothermia is a multi-system disorder that significantly increases morbidity and mortality in the injured patient. It is an environmental hazard that can kill in its own right. The most difficult differentiation and management decisions are likely to be with victims in Stage II or Stage III hypothermia. Following successful rescue in these cases, arresting any further cooling of the core temperature, instituting rewarming strategies and careful patient handling will be the key factors in reducing morbidity and mortality.
16 Close Support Medical Regiment, Southern General Hospital, Glasgow G51 4TF. peter.davis@sgh.scot.nhs.uk
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D001831:Body Temperature; D049671:History, 18th Century; D049672:History, 19th Century; D049673:History, 20th Century; D049690:History, Ancient; D006801:Humans; D007035:Hypothermia / Q000209:etiology* / Q000266:history / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D008020:Life Support Care / Q000379:methods; D008887:Military Medicine / Q000266:history; D008889:Military Personnel / Q000266:history; D017694:Rewarming / Q000379:methods; D012307:Risk Factors; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000150:complications*