Algorithms
Emergencies
Hypothermia & Cardiac Arrest
Handle gently, rewarm by severity, and continue resuscitation during rewarming; ECMO is the best rewarming tool in arrest.
Open CPR timer Interactive pathway
- Assess
Classify by core temperature
- Mild 32–35 °C: shivering, confusion
- Moderate 28–32 °C: shivering stops, ↓ consciousness, Osborn J waves
- Severe < 28 °C: unconscious, high VF risk
- Use an esophageal or low-reading rectal probe
- Action
Prevent further heat loss
- Remove wet clothing; insulate
- Handle gently and keep horizontal; rough movement can trigger VF
- Check breathing and pulse for up to 60 s
- Decision
Pulse / perfusing rhythm?