Modula 3b- Pre-Hospital Treatment: Principles

Question 1

For rewarming a hypothermic subject, what process should you NOT use?

Answer 1

You should NOT put the patient in a hot bath or shower.

Question 2

What are some sources of heat that can be used for rewarming?

Answer 2

Chemical heat packs, heating blankets, or body-to-body contact can be used for rewarming.

Question 3

A normothermic subject produces 100 watts of heat. How much heat production can shivering cause?

Answer 3

Shivering changes heat production 3 - 5 times or 300 - 500 W.

Question 4

At what levels of cold stress is supplementary heat necessary for re-warming to occur?

Answer 4

Supplementary heat is recommended for moderate and severe hypothermia.

Question 5

With a cold wet patient, when should clothing be cut off or taken off?

Answer 5

Only once the patient is in a sheltered environment.

Question 6

At what levels of cold stress should you cut off, rather than remove, clothing?

Answer 6

You should cut off clothing for moderate and severe hypothermia.

Question 7

Why is high glucose food or drink beneficial to a hypothermic subject?

Answer 7

It provides the patient with carbohydrates needed to fuel shivering.