Methods and equipment available for prehospital treatment of accidental hypothermia: a survey of Norwegian prehospital services.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Accidental hypothermia is associated with increased morbidity and mortality and poses a significant challenge for both professional and volunteer rescue services in prehospital settings. This study investigated the methods and equipment available to treat patients with cold stress or accidental hypothermia before reaching hospital in Norway.

Methods

We surveyed 156 respondents representing 708 units from both the professional and volunteer Norwegian prehospital chain of care between 2023 and 2024. Professional services included national ground ambulances, boat ambulances, national fixed wing and helicopter air ambulance services, search and rescue helicopter services, and urban search and rescue services. Volunteer services included Norwegian People's Aid and the

SUBMITTER: Barsten TW 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11653919 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature