How should I manage a patient with mild hypothermia in the practice before considering hospital referral?

Management of mild hypothermia in the practice setting before hospital referral:

• Measure and document the patient's core temperature accurately, preferably using a site that provides a direct or reliable estimate of core temperature (e.g., tympanic, temporal, or rectal thermometers) to confirm mild hypothermia (core temperature below 36.0°C) ¹.
• Keep the patient comfortably warm by providing adequate insulation such as cotton sheets, blankets, or a duvet, and encourage the patient to wear warm clothing ¹.
• Start active warming measures if possible, such as using warmed blankets or forced-air warming devices if available, aiming to raise the core temperature to at least 36.0°C before considering transfer ¹.
• Monitor the patient’s temperature regularly during warming, at least every 30 minutes, to ensure effective rewarming and to avoid overcooling or overheating ¹.
• Encourage the patient to move gently if appropriate, as this can help generate body heat, but avoid excessive exertion that may cause fatigue ¹.
• Provide warm (not hot) oral fluids if the patient is conscious and able to swallow safely, to support rehydration and warming ¹.
• Assess for any underlying causes or complications of hypothermia and consider urgent hospital referral if the patient shows signs of deterioration, moderate to severe hypothermia, or if active warming is not effective or feasible in the practice setting ¹.