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       #Post#: 255--------------------------------------------------
       ANSWER: COLD RELATED EMERGENCIES
   DIR By: Leslie Myers
       Date: March 9, 2012, 1:55 pm
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       The Protocol:
       Assess level of consciousness and refer to the appropriate
       sub-section below:
       1. If the patient is alert and responding appropriately:
       a. Actively rewarm the patient slowly:
       i. Place heat packs (if available) in the patient’s groin area,
       lateral
       chest and neck.
       ii. Increase heat in the patient compartment.
       b. Continue rewarming the patient.
       c. Ongoing assessment. Obtain and record the patient’s vital
       signs, repeat
       enroute as often as the situation indicates.
       d. Record all patient care information, including the patient’s
       medical history
       and all treatment provided, on a Prehospital Care Report (PCR).
       2. If the patient is unconscious or not responding
       appropriately:
       a. Passively rewarm the patient slowly.
       Vital signs should be taken for a longer period of time than
       usual so
       as not to miss a very slow pulse or respiratory rate.
       Also remember that the bystander who found her may need to cared
       for!
       Cardiac meds can inhibit the bodys ability to warm itself..also
       age related changes to the blood vessels and CNS can affect
       thermoregulatory actions..
       One more thing!  The cold and age related changes could mask the
       pain associated with any possible fractures sustained from the
       fall!
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