|
Overview :
The Swiss
Society for Mountain Medicine developed a staging system for patients with
hypothermia. The stage can help guide subsequent
management.
Parameters:
(1) mental
status
(2) core body
temperature
(3) shivering as
response to cold
(4)
breathing
|
Mental
Status |
Core Body
Temperature |
Shivering? |
Breathing? |
Stage |
|
alert |
> 35°C (>
95°F) |
yes |
yes |
0 |
|
alert |
32 - 35°C (89.6 -
95°F) |
yes |
yes |
I |
|
drowsy |
28 - 31.9°C (82.4 -
89.5°F) |
no |
yes |
II |
|
unconscious |
24 - 27.9°C (75.2 -
82.3°F) |
no |
yes |
III |
|
unconscious |
< 24°C (<
75.2°F) |
no |
no |
IV |
Field management
for Stages I and II:
(1) administer
hot, sweet drinks
(2) change
clothing if practicable
(3) transport to
nearest hospital with intensive care unit
Field management
for Stages III:
(1) intubate and
ventilate with warm, humidified oxygen
(2) transport to
hospital with cardiopulmonary bypass capabilities
Field management
for Stages IV:
(1) CPR
(2)
intubate
(3) if
ventricular fibrillation apply DC shocks
(4) transport to
hospital with cardiopulmonary bypass capabilities
| References: | |
Brugger H, Durrer B, et al. Field
management of avalanche victims. Resuscitation. 2001; 51: 7-15. (Figure 3, page
11).
Durrer B. Hypothermie im Gebirge:
Arztliche Massnahmen am Unfallort. Osterreichisches J fur Sportmedizin. 1991; 2:
50-54.
|
|
|