View source for Cold Emergencies

==Section 5 -MEDICAL 5.06==
===COLD EMERGENCIES===

'''FROSTBITE:'''
'''INITIAL [[Initial Medical Assessment and Care|MEDICAL]]/[[Initial Trauma Assessment and Care|TRAUMA]] CARE (2.01/2.02)'''.
* Remove wet garments and move patient to a warm environment ASAP.
* Elevate affected part and cover with loosely applied, dry, sterile dressings.
* If ALS required: support airway, cardiac monitoring, IV, O2 saturation and end-tidal CO2
* Refer to [[Analgesia and Sedation|ANALGESIA / SEDATION PRACTICE PARAMETERS]] (2.04).
**[[Analgesics|MORPHINE SULFATE]] 2 mg slow IVP, IO or IN every 2 minutes until pain relief achieved Contraindicated if systolic BP <90. IM administration may also be considered. 

'''SYSTEMIC HYPOTHERMIA:'''
* Mild / moderate 95-90 degree F. Conscious or altered sensorium with shivering.
'''[[Initial Medical Assessment and Care|INITIAL MEDICAL CARE]] (2.01):'''
* [[Medical Gases|OXYGEN]] @ 100% via NRB mask.
* Warm IV fluids using hot packs.
* Remove wet clothing and protect patient against heat loss and wind chill.
* Place patient in horizontal position avoiding rough movement and excess activity.
* Completely dry patient and cover patient with insulated blanket.


'''SEVERE SYSTEMIC HYPOTHERMIA:'''
* Temperature of 90 Degrees F or less.
* Patient may appear uncoordinated with poor muscle control or stiff, simulating rigor mortis.
* There will be NO shivering.
* Sensorium: confused, withdrawn, disoriented, comatose.
'''[[Initial Medical Assessment and Care|INITIAL MEDICAL CARE]] (2.01):'''
* OXYGEN @ 100% via NRB mask or assist with BVM.
**'''DO NOT INTUBATE UNLESS PATIENT IS APNEIC.'''
* Warm IV tubing and OXYGEN tubing with hot packs.
* Refer to appropriate Practice Parameters.
* Refer to Systemic Hypothermia.
* Administer no more than 3 defibrillations until re-warmed.

[[Category:Medical|0506]]