Hypothermia Alert – R5Trauma Education and Outreach Team

TRAUMA AND HYPOTHERMIA ARE A DEADLY COMBINATION

The lethal trauma triad—hypothermia, acidosis, and coagulopathy—is a significant cause of death in patients with traumatic injuries. Failing to stop any one of the triad’s components leads to worsening hemorrhage and eventual death.

Stop the Bleeding
Keep ambulances and resuscitation rooms warm
Remove any wet clothing
Cover patients with blankets and other warming devices
Expose patients ONLY as needed for assessment and treatment
Warm ALL IV fluids and blood products
DO NOT infuse large volumes of crystalloid fluids*

*Generally, burn patients are the ONLY trauma patients who require large volumes of crystalloid fluids. Warm ALL IV fluids – burn trauma patients are especially susceptible to hypothermia.

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