Hypothermic patient

Monday, 26 August 2013 14:52

EMTResource.com

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Scenario

You are dispatched to a residential neighborhood for a patient who fell in a snowbank roughly two hours ago. You arrive on scene and find a 65 Y/O female lying supine in a snowbank on the sidewalk. You are unable to detect a pulse or respirations, but the patient moves to verbal stimuli.

Vital Signs

• Pulse: Undetectable
• Respirations: Undetectable
• Blood pressure: 94/58 mmHg
• Eyes: 6 mm
• LOC: Verbal stimuli
• Lung sounds: Clear bilaterally
• Skin: Pale, cold and waxy

Quiz

If you cannot detect a pulse or respirations for a hypothermic patient, but they are able to move, you should:

Begin CPR immediately.

Begin CPR and apply the AED immediately.

Begin positive pressure ventilation with a BVM @ 15 lpm.

Apply the AED to analyze the patient's rhythm.

Discussion

How would you handle this scenario? Use the comment system below to explain your actions and any treatment(s) you would perform.