How should hypothermia be prevented and managed in a deployed casualty during resuscitation?

• A. Apply only chemical warming packs
• B. Keep the casualty dry and warm, remove wet clothing, apply insulating layers, use warming devices, and minimize heat loss.
• C. Rely on ambient temperature and do not intervene
• D. Use cooling methods to prevent overheating

Answer: (B)

Preventing and treating hypothermia during resuscitation hinges on stopping heat loss and supplying warmth to the casualty. In a deployed setting, cold environments and ongoing exposure can rapidly drop core temperature, worsening outcomes by impairing coagulation, acid-base balance, and cardiac function. The best approach is to keep the person dry and warm and to actively build and preserve a warm environment around them.

Removing wet clothing is essential because moisture accelerates heat loss through evaporation and conduction. After that, layering with insulating materials—blankets, blankets, and other insulating wraps—helps trap the body's heat and reduces convection and further heat loss. Using warming devices complements this by providing additional heat transfer to the body, which is important during resuscitation when the patient may not generate enough heat on their own. At the same time, steps to minimize heat loss—such as shielding from wind, reducing unnecessary exposure, and keeping the casualty in a warm space—maximize the effectiveness of warming efforts.

Relying on ambient temperature alone or using cooling strategies would do the opposite of what’s needed in this situation. Localized heat from chemical packs can help, but without comprehensive warming of the entire body and reduction of heat loss, they’re not sufficient on their own.

So, keeping the casualty dry and warm, removing wet clothing, insulating with layers, employing warming devices, and minimizing heat loss provide the most effective, integrated approach to prevent and manage hypothermia during resuscitation.