How is hypothermia induced?
Induced hypothermia can be accomplished using several methods. Surface cooling methods such as cooling blankets placed under and on top of patients and ice packs placed in the groin and armpit areas are effective in decreasing temperature, but may take up to 6 hrs to do so. There are also invasive methods of induced hypothermia using catheters inserted into large blood vessels. As the blood circulates and comes in contact with these catheters cooling occurs. This is a very quick and efficient way to lower body temperature; however the insertion of these catheters needs to be done in the hospital by a skilled physician. Another way to decrease the body’s temperature is to give cold fluid into the veins through an I.V. (small needle in the vein). This method has the advantage of lowering the body temperature quickly and can be done by non physician personnel such as paramedics and nurses.
