Adult And Pediatric First Aid CPR AED Exam A Practice

In outdoor hypothermia, warming needs to be gentle and controlled, with attention to the patient’s breathing. Hypothermia slows metabolism and can depress breathing, so warming too quickly or with direct heat to the skin can cause dangerous heart rhythms, tissue damage, or afterdrop (a further cooling of the core as cold blood returns to the center). The safest approach is gradual rewarming while you continuously monitor breathing. Use insulating blankets and dry, warm clothing to cover the person and protect against further heat loss, focusing warmth on the trunk while avoiding excessive exposure or vigorous rubbing. If breathing becomes shallow or stops, provide appropriate airway support or CPR as needed. Exposing large areas of skin, doing nothing while waiting for rescue, or applying direct, rapid heat to the skin are not appropriate strategies.