A hypothermic patient may experience "after drop" during resuscitation. This can result in sudden deterioration and even death.
After drop is a drop in the core body temperature that occurs after rewarming has been started. It occurs as cold blood in the extremities flows back into the trunk (core body).
Ways to avoid after drop:
(1) Do not let the person walk around after being rescued. The person should lie still for at least 30 minutes after recovery.
(2) Do not massage the limbs to "restore circulation."
(3) Warm the head, neck and trunk but not the extremities during the resuscitation.
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