Practicability of avoiding hypothermia in resuscitation room phase in severely injured patients

J Med Eng Technol. 2015 May;39(4):223-5. doi: 10.3109/03091902.2015.1035767. Epub 2015 Apr 16.

Abstract

Hypothermia in severely injured patients is a high demanding situation resulting from an effect of injury severity, surrounding temperature at trauma site and admittance. This article reviews the possible options to combat hypothermia in the resuscitation room with respect to practicability. This review summarizes available passive and active re-warming techniques and trys to offer a practicable chronology to restore normothermia. Resources should be applied depending on the availability of each institution and manifestation of hypothermia, but there is a strong demand for improvements with respect to practicability, convenience and safety for the patient.

Keywords: Hypothermia; practicability; re-warming; severely injured; temperature control.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Body Temperature
  • Humans
  • Hypothermia / prevention & control*
  • Hypothermia / therapy
  • Resuscitation
  • Trauma Centers
  • Wounds and Injuries / therapy