Practical Hypothermia Evaluation and Treatment
Dr. Matthews works with Park County, CO SAR, Colorado Task Force One and Front Range Rescue Dogs in addition to disaster medicine. This talk was given to members of Colorado Rapid Avalanche Deployment teams and spanned the topic of evaluating and treating hypothermia in an avalanche patient. he highlighted the difference between cold stress and mild hypothermia, using AVPU as the main vital sign for evaluating the stages of hypothermia, and preventing fatal cardiac arrhythmias during extrication and transport. Also discussed: intermittent CPR, the use of the LUCAS device and circumrescue collapse.
Target Audience
Colorado Rapid Avalanche Deployment team members; Arapahoe Basin Ski Patrol
Learning Objectives
Identify stages of hypothermia; preventing fatal cardiac arrhythmias; intermittent CPR; preventing afterdrop and awareness of circumrescue collapse.
Dr. Roger Matthews, DO
EMS Continuing Education approved by the State of Colorado through Centura Health Prehospital Services Training Center and group # CO 039 (SAH), #CO 040 (PSF) and #CO 065 (SDG).
Available Credit
- 1.00 Cardio
- 0.50 NCCP-Cardio: Cardiac Arrest
- 0.50 NCCP-Cardio: Post-Resuscitation Care