New York State Basic Emergency Medical Technician (EMT-B) Practice Exam

What should be done for an unconscious patient who has generalized hypothermia?

1. Rapidly warm the patient

2. Prevent further heat loss and transport gently

3. Administer intravenous fluids

4. Apply external heat sources

The correct answer is: Prevent further heat loss and transport gently

For an unconscious patient experiencing generalized hypothermia, the priority is to prevent further heat loss and ensure the patient is transported gently. In hypothermia cases, the body's temperature regulation is severely impaired, and rapid warming can lead to complications such as shock or arrhythmias. Preventing additional heat loss involves covering the patient with blankets or warming sheets, and ensuring that the environment surrounding them is as warm as possible. Gentle transport is crucial because swift movements can exacerbate the condition, potentially leading to further physiological stress on an already compromised system. Applying external heat sources directly to the patient or rapidly warming the patient could cause a sudden change in temperature that the body is unable to handle, presenting risks that could worsen the situation. Therefore, a careful and systematic approach focused on gentle handling and maintaining a stable temperature environment is essential for the safety and effectiveness of treatment in such cases.