A 48-year-old unhoused man is found outdoors in January and arrives CTAS 1. Core temperature is 27.8°C, BP is 78/46, HR is 32 with Osborn waves, and

Question

A 48-year-old unhoused man is found outdoors in January and arrives CTAS 1. Core temperature is 27.8°C, BP is 78/46, HR is 32 with Osborn waves, and he is obtunded. Staff have difficulty palpating a pulse, but there are organised complexes on the monitor. What is the most appropriate next step?

Accepted Answer

Handle gently, rewarm actively, and consult an ECLS centre

Answer

Give repeated atropine until the heart rate normalises

Answer

Declare death because the temperature is below 28°C

Answer

Place him in a hot shower for rapid rewarming

Answer

Use therapeutic hypothermia protocol for post-arrest care

Severe accidental hypothermia — RCPSC EM MCQ

A 48-year-old unhoused man is found outdoors in January and arrives CTAS 1. Core temperature is 27.8°C, BP is 78/46, HR is 32 with Osborn waves, and he is obtunded. Staff have difficulty palpating a pulse, but there are organised complexes on the monitor. What is the most appropriate next step?