Reference protocol
❄ Thermal emergency — Cold
HYPOTHERMIA PROTOCOL
Version May 20, 2022
PROTOCOL — HYPOTHERMIA · Body temp < 35 °C
Immediate actions — All victims
1
🏃 Move without delay to a warm environment
⚠ Minimal handling · Keep horizontal position
⚠ Minimal handling · Keep horizontal position
2
👕 Gently remove wet clothing only
Leave dry clothing in place · Do not shake the victim
Leave dry clothing in place · Do not shake the victim
3
🥶 Cover first: head & neck → groin → armpits → trunk
Emergency blanket first, then warm blankets on top
Emergency blanket first, then warm blankets on top
4
🌡 Add warm blankets or instant hot packs
Under the emergency blanket · On highly vascularized areas (groin, armpits)
Under the emergency blanket · On highly vascularized areas (groin, armpits)
Is the victim at risk
of trauma?
of trauma?
YES — Trauma
Leave the victim in the position found
while maintaining cervical spine immobilization
while maintaining cervical spine immobilization
NO — No trauma
→ Proceed to consciousness assessment ↓
Is the victim conscious?
YES — Conscious
☕ Give a warm drink
No alcohol · In small amounts · Only if the victim can swallow
No alcohol · In small amounts · Only if the victim can swallow
Place in the recovery position
📊 Frequently reassess vital signs (ABC)
📞 Seek care at a hospital
by calling 911
by calling 911
NO — Unconscious
🚫 Give nothing by mouth
Place in the recovery position
📊 Frequently reassess vital signs (ABC)
📞 Seek care at a hospital
by calling 911
Emergency — act without delay
by calling 911
Emergency — act without delay