Indicated for mild hypothermia (core temperature 32–35°C)

Nurse in a side room heated to 20–30°C on a ripple mattress with the blankets supported by a bed cage

Give warmed, humidified oxygen by facemask IV fluids can be warmed (38–42°C)

Aim for a slow rise in core temperature around 0.5°C per hour

Active rewarming methods

Forced air warming blanket (Bair-Hugger)

Inhalation of warmed oxygen via endotracheal tube

Other methods of active rewarming

Indicated for moderate (<32–28°C) and severe (<28°C) hypothermia

Rewarms by blowing air of up to 43°C into a blanket that lies on or surrounds the patient; may be available in theatre suite

Rate of rewarming faster than with passive external rewarming; may result in hypotension

Oxygen is warmed in a waterbath humidifier

Monitor the gas temperature at the mouth and maintain it around 44°C: this will require modification of most ventilators

Peritoneal dialysis/haemodialysis

Cardiopulmonary bypass

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation