Cold weather has crept into the region! Here are 7 simple tips to help keep your patients warm this winter:

1. Cover the patient with an insulating layer (thermal/regular blanket)

2. Insulate your patient from the ground. Remember cold floors (tiling, concrete and linoleum) are a quick way to lose body heat

3. Minimize the time that your backboard sits outside in the cold

4. Turn the heat on in the back of the truck BEFORE patient contact

5. For extended outdoor extrications, package IV & O2 tubing close to the body so that fluid/O2 are warm when entering the body

6. Maintain adequate temperatures in the back of the truck so medications don™t become cold or freeze

7. Ensure your patient is dry. Wet skin conducts heat faster and results in greater heat loss.

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