What should you do first if you suspect a patient has hypothermia?

When suspecting a patient has hypothermia, the appropriate immediate action is to strip wet clothing and initiate rewarming. The rationale behind this is that wet clothing can significantly contribute to further heat loss, as moisture accelerates the cooling process when the body is exposed to cold temperatures. Removing wet clothing helps to prevent additional heat loss and is a crucial first step in managing hypothermia.

Rewarming is essential because hypothermia can lead to a cascade of physiological effects, including impaired muscle and nervous system function. By addressing the source of heat loss as the first step, the patient is given the best chance of stabilizing their core body temperature.

Other interventions, such as administering warm IV fluids or monitoring vital signs, are important components of hypothermia management but are considered secondary to addressing the immediate need to remove wet clothing and begin the rewarming process. Additionally, applying heating pads directly to the skin can lead to localized burns or skin damage, making it a less appropriate choice in the initial management of hypothermia. Properly addressing the situation with the removal of wet clothing facilitates a safer and more effective rewarming strategy.