What is the key strategy to prevent hypothermia in a trauma patient on the battlefield?

• A. Use dehydration as a warming method
• B. Apply cooling measures
• C. Keep the patient warm, remove wet clothing, use blankets/insulation, minimize exposure
• D. Avoid rewarming

Answer: (C)

Preventing hypothermia in a trauma patient on the battlefield hinges on keeping the person warm and reducing heat loss. Cold impairs the body’s ability to clot, worsens acidosis, and increases mortality, so maintaining a normal core temperature is a top priority. The most effective approach is to remove wet clothing, which drives heat loss through evaporation and conduction, and replace it with dry, insulating layers such as blankets or other insulating materials to trap heat. Minimizing exposure—only letting skin be exposed when necessary for assessment or treatment—further reduces heat loss from the environment, wind, and ambient cold. Keeping the patient warm supports circulation, metabolism, and overall outcomes in a hostile setting where resources are limited.

Options that push for cooling or insist on not rewarming would exacerbate the problem, and using dehydration as a warming method isn’t a valid or effective strategy.