SEDL / STP / STP860-EB / STP46661S

Accidental Hypothermia and its Treatment in the Field

Crombie, Nickel
Medical advisor, Australian Ski Patrol Association, Balgowlah, N.S.W.

Pages: 11    Published: Jan 1985

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Abstract

The incidence of mild and moderate accidental hypothermia in the Australian snowfields was not recognized until attempts were made to measure temperatures in possible subjects. Australia is generally considered to be a temperate-subtropical area. However, our ski fields sometimes provide almost ideal conditions for the development of accidental hypothermia. This paper describes the development of methods used by the ski patrol in Australia to manage these patients, based on the concept that active rewarming must be begun as soon as possible in the field.