Which of the following represents a recognized approach to mild hypothermia treatment?

Which of the following represents a recognized approach to mild hypothermia treatment?

• A. Begin by immersing the body in hot water.
• B. Apply heat to extremities only.
• C. Remove wet clothing, insulate with warm, dry clothing, and move the athlete to a warm environment.
• D. Administer alcoholic beverages.

Answer: (C)

In mild hypothermia, the priority is to stop further heat loss and begin gentle, controlled warming. The best course is to remove wet clothing, insulate the person with warm, dry clothing or blankets, and move them to a warm environment. Wet clothes actively steal heat from the body through conduction and evaporation, so taking them off prevents ongoing cooling. Warm, dry insulation slows heat loss and supports the body’s own warming mechanisms, like shivering. A warmer surroundings reduce the heat gradient, making rewarming safer and more effective. If the person is alert, offering warm non-alcoholic fluids can help, but alcohol should not be given because it causes vasodilation, masks shivering, and can worsen heat loss. Immersing in hot water risks rapid and uneven warming (afterdrop) and can be dangerous, while heating only the extremities diverts warmth away from the core and is not adequate for core rewarming.

In mild hypothermia, the priority is to stop further heat loss and begin gentle, controlled warming. The best course is to remove wet clothing, insulate the person with warm, dry clothing or blankets, and move them to a warm environment. Wet clothes actively steal heat from the body through conduction and evaporation, so taking them off prevents ongoing cooling. Warm, dry insulation slows heat loss and supports the body’s own warming mechanisms, like shivering. A warmer surroundings reduce the heat gradient, making rewarming safer and more effective. If the person is alert, offering warm non-alcoholic fluids can help, but alcohol should not be given because it causes vasodilation, masks shivering, and can worsen heat loss. Immersing in hot water risks rapid and uneven warming (afterdrop) and can be dangerous, while heating only the extremities diverts warmth away from the core and is not adequate for core rewarming.