Ways To Treat Hypothermia

Cover With Blankets

Blankets are the safest source of rewarming for patients affected by hypothermia. To provide the most warmth, use several layers of blankets or coats laid on top of each other. Fleece, mylar, and wool blankets are all suitable. Be sure to cover the patient's entire body, including the top of their head, with the blankets. The patient's head could also be covered with a hat. Only the patient's face should be left exposed. Do not use any electric blankets or heating pads during the rewarming process. Doing so may cause burns and could also rewarm the patient too quickly, leading to irregular heartbeats and potentially to cardiac arrest. After covering the patient with blankets, their breathing rate should be monitored. For patients in the hospital, staff have heated blankets used to safely increase a patient's temperature. This is known as passive rewarming.

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