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Moderate to severe hypothermia — ABEM Board MCQ

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HardEnvironmental emergenciesModerate to severe hypothermiaABEM Board

A 62-year-old unhoused man presents as triage level 1 in winter with core temperature 28°C, bradycardia, Osborn waves, and no palpable radial pulse but organized cardiac activity on ultrasound. Which of the following is the most appropriate initial action?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: D — Gentle handling, active core rewarming, and warmed IV fluids

Hypothermic patients may have profound bradycardia and weak pulses; gentle handling and active rewarming are central to care.

Reference: Wilderness Medical Society hypothermia guideline; AHA hypothermia arrest guidance