Rapid Active External Rewarming in Accidental Hypothermia

Three patients with marked hypothermia resulting from exposure to cold after heavy alcohol consumption were rewarmed in less than eight hours by means of a hyperthermic mattress. Electrocardiography and physical abnormalities reverted to normal during the rewarming period. There were no sequelae. We conclude from the literature and from our experience with these three patients that immediate, active, rapid external rewarming is a simple and effective method of therapy in accidentally cooled patients.