Risk of Burns During Active External Rewarming for Accidental Hypothermia

This article describes 3 incidents in which therapeutic or experimental warming of cold individuals caused first- to third-degree burns to the skin. Mechanisms for these injuries are considered. We conclude that active external rewarming of the trunk of a cold patient in the field can be administered safely and burn risk reduced if 1) manufacturer instructions are followed; 2) insulation is placed between the skin the and heat source; and 3) caregivers make regular efforts to observe heated skin for possible pending burn injury. Direct inspection is mandatory for the skin of areas that are on top of a heat source when the patient is lying on the heat source.