Case review: ED management of hypothermia in an elderly woman

SummaryThis case study outlines the management of a profoundly hypothermic elderly patient. Tympanic temperature on arrival was 27.1 °C, and was accompanied by an altered state of consciousness. The circumstances surrounding this patient's presentation to the Emergency Department and subsequent clinical management are presented. The significance of hypothermia, secondary to a severe and overwhelming sepsis is examined including, pathophysiology changes that occur and invasive/non-invasive rewarming methods to correct hypothermia.