SIMPLE CORE REWARMING IN ACCIDENTAL HYPOTHERMIA

Abstract
Active rewarming of the hypothermic patient can be assisted by the inspiration of warmed, fully saturated gases and the administration of heated intravenous fluids. Utilization of a heated humidifier can be instigated quickly and permits flexibility in the amount of heat delivered to the thorax, through requiring continuous monitoring of airway temperature. A case is reported in which use of these techniques was associated with “rapid” rewarming, and some of the problems involving hypothermia and acidosis are discussed.