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Severe accidental hypothermia — RCPSC EM MCQ

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HardEnvironmental emergenciesSevere accidental hypothermiaRCPSC EM

A 58-year-old is found outdoors after a winter storm. Core temperature is 27.8°C, he is obtunded, and the monitor shows ventricular fibrillation. Potassium is 4.8 mmol/L and no lethal trauma is found. What is the most appropriate next step?

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

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Correct answer: D — Continue CPR with active core rewarming and consult an extracorporeal rewarming centre

Continue CPR with active core rewarming and consult an extracorporeal rewarming centre is correct: the clues indicate Severe accidental hypothermia and this option addresses the immediate ED priority. The distractors delay care, target a less likely problem, or are unsafe in this physiology.

Reference: Canadian cold injury emergency practice; ACLS hypothermia principles