Patients at risk:
(1) infants (relative high body surface area)
(2) hypothermia prior to transfer
(3) rapid infusion of room temperature fluids and/or refrigerated blood products
(4) transport during winter
(5) vehicle without heat, especially a helicopter or airplane
(6) large area of skin uncovered
(7) poor insulation from the environment (contact with metal or water, exposure to wind, other)
General ways to minimize heat loss:
(1) Raise the environmental temperature of the transport vehicle.
(2) Keep the doors and windows of the transport vehicle closed.
(3) Use a blood warmer to infuse fluids if possible.
(4) Use a heat blanket if available.
(5) If resources are scarce, keep the patient warm with blankets and hot water bottles.
For an infant:
(1) If the infant is being transported in an incubator, keep the access doors closed.
(2) Use a heated gel mattress if available.
