|
Post by dougsanders on Dec 17, 2014 12:01:36 GMT -8
IKAR Hypothermia protocols were revised in 2013. A couple of points that I think need emphasis. There's much more in the IKAR protocol.
In part, if conditions dictate a need to keep moving toward safety, hypothermia, in and of itself, does not preclude ambulation. As long as the climber can walk it is OK to do so, even if they are stumbling and need assistance. This muscle activity may rewarm the victim.
In severe hypothermia with an unconscious victim it is unlikely that insulation and application of external heat in a manner typically available to a climbing party will raise core temperature. Also, during rewarming there may be cardiac instability; these victims may require advanced heart-lung bypass which is available at a limited number of hospitals. These patients require evacuation with reasonable effort at being gentle.
2013 IKAR protocol
|
|