Patient in hypothermia - diagnostic and treatment problems in fire department

Accidental hypothermia occurs when, as a result of environmental factors, the central body temperature drops below 35° C. Deep hypothermia is a life-threatening condition, but it is one of the reversible causes of cardiac arrest. At a temperature of 30-28⁰ C, the oxygen demand is 50% normal, at 25⁰ C only 33%, and below 10⁰ C 4-11%. Heart, liver and brain have more requirements in this respect, and the kidneys need most oxygen. In the Deep Hypothermia Treatment Center in Krakow, a system of rapid implementation of extracorporeal circulation (ECMO) was developed, obtaining favorable therapeutic results in non-traumatic patients. The patient in hypothermia accounts for a significant percentage of all intervention services of the emergency services. The analysis of death cards issued in 2009-2012 in Poland showed that exposure to excessive natural cold was the initial cause of death in 1,836 people. Early identification of victims in hypothermia, established algorithm of action and coordination of activities leading to the use of extracorporeal heating techniques can contribute to improved prognosis. (...)