What are the indications for hospital admission in patients with hypothermia?

Indications for hospital admission in patients presenting with hypothermia include:

• Core body temperature below 36.0°C, especially if active warming cannot be promptly initiated or if the hypothermia is severe.
• Presence of clinical instability or complications such as cardiovascular compromise, altered level of consciousness, or other signs of physiological deterioration.
• Need for continuous monitoring of vital signs including heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, level of consciousness, and temperature, which cannot be safely managed outside hospital.
• Requirement for active warming interventions such as forced-air warming devices or warmed intravenous fluids that are typically available in hospital settings.
• Underlying conditions or comorbidities that increase risk of adverse outcomes from hypothermia, such as major surgery, combined general and regional anesthesia, or cardiovascular risk factors.
• Situations where hypothermia is associated with other medical emergencies or complications requiring hospital-level care.

Patients with hypothermia should be admitted to hospital for active warming and monitoring until their core temperature is restored to at least 36.0°C and they are clinically stable. Admission is also indicated if there is a need for ongoing assessment and management of complications or comorbidities related to hypothermia ¹,⁶.