EMS Protocol of the Week - Cold Emergencies — Maimonides Emergency Medicine Residency

Happy COLD Tuesday!
Another guest post for the week where we will be discussing EMS protocol for Cold Emergencies that apply to both adult and pediatric populations.
The prehospital approach to cold emergency shows a nice progression of responsibilities based on level of training. CFRs at the most basic level will move the patient to a warmer environment, remove any wet clothing/jewelry, apply heat packs, and dry the patient with warm blankets. BLS crews will monitor for alter mental status, treat any hypoglycemia and request ALS backup. ALS providers on scene will perform advanced airway management as needed, begin cardiac monitoring and record an EKG for evaluation, and obtain IV access to administer warm crystalloid fluids if available.
Not a lot to do on the OLMC side other than to be aware of this stepwise progression, as well as understand localized cold injury vs generalized hypothermia (with possible loss of central pulses.)
Check out www.nycremsco.org or the protocol binder on North Side for more.
John Su