Which guideline should you follow in rewarming hypothermic patients?

Using passive rewarming for all hypothermic patients aligns with best practices in the initial management of hypothermia, especially in the prehospital setting. Passive rewarming involves utilizing the patient's own body heat and insulating them from the cold environment. This approach is particularly beneficial because it is less invasive and reduces the risk of complications associated with more aggressive rewarming methods.

For instance, passive rewarming includes covering the patient with blankets or warm clothing to help retain body heat while allowing for a more gradual increase in core temperature. This can be very effective for patients who are mildly to moderately hypothermic, as their body is still capable of maintaining some metabolic function and can rewarm itself to a degree.

On the contrary, active rewarming methods can be inappropriate in certain situations. They may cause complications, particularly in severe cases of hypothermia, where the body may react negatively to a rapid change in temperature. For instance, forcing warm fluids or using heat packs on compromised patients might lead to rewarming shock or cardiac complications.

In summary, passive rewarming, which takes advantage of natural physiological processes while minimizing risks, is the recommended approach for handling hypothermic patients, making it the correct guideline to follow.