The regulation of a patient's body temperature is a key part of a paramedic's duty during treatment. Preventing hypothermia by keeping a core body temperature above 35°C and providing sufficient warming devices to prevent changes in body temperature requires careful assessment, monitoring and training. Critical factors in achieving this include assessment of the patient's exposure to the cold, and understanding of the risks linked to hypothermia—especially in older patients who are at risk of a fatal reaction if the body's temperature drops.

Ray Higginson - Senior Lecturer in the Faculty of Life Sciences and Education, University of South Wales

Paul Burrows - Senior Lecturer in the Faculty of Life Sciences and Education, University of South Wales

Bridie Jones -