What is the recommended action when a patient presents with a low body temperature (hypothermia)?

When managing a patient with hypothermia, the recommended action is to gradually rewarm the patient. This approach is critical because rapid rewarming can lead to dangerous complications such as rewarming shock or cardiac arrhythmias. Gradual rewarming allows the body to efficiently equilibrate its internal temperature and helps prevent cardiovascular collapse.

In hypothermia, the body's normal thermoregulatory processes are impaired, and tissues can become damaged if exposed to sudden changes in temperature. Therefore, applying controlled rewarming techniques, which may include warm blankets, warm fluids administered via intravenous therapy (not cold fluids), or environmental warming, is essential for safely restoring the patient’s normal body temperature.

This treatment aligns with the established protocols and guidelines in emergency medicine, ensuring both effectiveness and safety in treating patients with low body temperature.