Accidental Hypothermia S010

Current RMA Instruments

Changes from previous Instruments

ICD Coding

Brief description

Accidental hypothermia is the unintentional lowering of core body temperature to 35 degrees Celsius or below due to exposure to low environmental temperatures, in a person without a primary disorder of temperature regulation. 

The condition can range from mild to severe, and in advanced cases may lead to organ failure or death if not treated promptly. 

For the purposes of this SOP, accidental hypothermia excludes intentionally induced hypothermia and hypothermia caused by toxicological or pharmacological factors. 

Confirming the diagnosis

The diagnosis is made clinically, based on measurement of core body temperature. The diagnosis may still be established where the first recorded temperature is above 35 degrees Celsius, if this measurement was taken after a period of rewarming, recovery or treatment, and there is sufficient clinical evidence to support the individual had a core body temperature of 35 degrees Celsius or lower prior to measurement. Clinical assessment may also include evaluation of conscious state, cardiovascular stability and associated complications. 

Management and confirmation are usually undertaken by an emergency medicine physician or intensive care specialist, who are the relevant specialists.

Additional diagnoses covered by SOP

• Nil

Conditions not covered by SOP 

• Hypothermia due to toxicological or pharmacological causes #
• Hypothermia associated with anaesthesia #
• Intentionally induced hypothermia #

# Non-SOP condition

Clinical onset

Accidental hypothermia is an acute condition, typically developing over a period of hours following exposure to a cold environment. Clinical onset generally corresponds to the time when core body temperature falls to 35 degrees Celsius or below, although symptoms such as shivering, confusion, or impaired coordination may begin earlier. 

Clinical worsening

Clinical worsening may be indicated by further reduction in core temperature and progression of physiological impairment, including worsening consciousness, cardiovascular instability, or organ dysfunction. 

Moderate to severe hypothermia requires urgent medical treatment, and even with appropriate management, there is significant risk of complications and mortality. The primary factor associated with adverse outcomes is the ability to obtain timely and appropriate clinical management, particularly in severe cases.