NREMT Paramedic Practice

How is active rewarming best defined?

1. Removing wet clothing

2. Applying external heat sources

3. Providing warm fluids

4. Covering in blankets

The correct answer is: Applying external heat sources

Active rewarming is best defined as the application of external heat sources to increase the body temperature of an individual suffering from hypothermia or exposure to cold conditions. This process involves using materials such as heating pads, warm water bottles, or commercial warming devices strategically placed on areas of the body that will effectively warm the core, such as the chest, neck, and groin. While removing wet clothing and covering with blankets can aid in reducing heat loss and provide a layer of insulation, they do not directly increase body temperature as effectively as applying external heat sources. Providing warm fluids is beneficial for internal warming, but it mainly addresses the core temperature through ingestion rather than immediate external warmth. Thus, applying external heat sources stands out as the most effective method for rapidly increasing body temperature in a controlled manner.