hypothermia and O2 Admin

[scubagit]

Ok, I know everyone says that O2 should never be given to a hypothermic casualty without using an O2 heater/hydrator, but according to a senior well respected diver (and medic) I had a conversation with, this is a myth.
Can anyone shed any light on this theory? From what I believe, the O2 will do no good as it's job is to aid in flushing out nitrogen and raise PPO2 and also prevent the build up of scar tissue. The problem is that O2 admin to a hypothermic casualty can lead to after drop (further drop in core temp).
Opinions please.....

[nigelH]

Originally Posted by scubagit

Ok, I know everyone says that O2 should never be given to a hypothermic casualty without using an O2 heater/hydrator, but according to a senior well respected diver (and medic) I had a conversation with, this is a myth.

I've never heard this one.
OK gas from a cylinder tends to be cold but oxygen and damaged divers are a good combination and there are better ways to manage hypothermia than oxygen deprivation.

I though there was never a reason not to treat a diving injury with oxygen.

[Juz]

I've never heard it either, but if I was concerned, I'd run constant flow, this way the gas is warmer than straight from the tin.

I guess the question is, what's going to do more damage - cold O2 or no O2.

I suspect that the 'O2 should never be given to a hypothermic casualty' stance is for someone 'more hypothermic' than we are likely to see in a diving situation.

Juz

[Dangerous Dan]

Never heard this either, did you get taught it on a course?

I never got taught in on my O2 Admin or HSE First Aid,

Dan

[Rod]

Sounds like crap to me.
The RNLI, Fire brigade and Police all give oxygen to hypothermic casualties in the Thames area, are they all wrong ?

[JamesW]

we were taught in the forces to give o2 in those types of injuries.
Thanks

[Fee]

"Everyone says..."
Says who?
Hypoxia will kill a lot faster than hypothermia.
Just give the damn stuff..oxygen is your friend....

[HelenP]

I cant see any harm in giving it. I have given oxygen to lots of hypothermic patients. You can warm inspired gases to try and help warm people up, but I wouldnt not give it just because you cant warm it. As already said oxygen is probably a good thing in these circumstances.

Helen

[David Pye]

Does anyone specifically use warm air/o2 to warm casualties up?

I would have thought it wouldn't have made THAT much difference as gas is a relatively poor conductor of heat.

Perhaps someone more up to speed with hypothermia treatment could confirm - I thought it involved warm water baths etc?

[Paul Oliver]

I've never heard of this and had a quick look through my O2 Admin notes and cannot find a reference to it (I did look quickly though).

My way of looking at it would be that Cold, Shivering and Hypothermia can all be factors in poor off gassing and DCI so i would use it.

Also shock may well be involved so use it as its standard treatment.

Immersion time and water inhalation may be involved so use it.

O2 is your friend so use it.