Warming of patients with accidental hypothermia using warm water pleural lavage

SummaryIn all, five patients with accidental hypothermia below 32 °C are described. All were unconscious and in mortal danger, but with an intact circulation. The youngest was 11 years and the oldest 85 years of age. The two oldest patients suffered from critical hypothermia only, while the other cases were complicated by other trauma and drug poisoning. All were warmed using pleural lavage with warm saline. All were discharged to their own homes neurologically intact.