Fundamentals of Surveying (FS) Practice Exam

If you suspect someone has hypothermia, what is the recommended action?

1. Give cool beverages

2. Move the person to a cool place

3. Gently warm the person's core

4. Plunge the person into a hot bath

The correct answer is: Gently warm the person's core

When managing a suspected case of hypothermia, the most appropriate action is to gently warm the person's core. Hypothermia occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it, causing the internal body temperature to drop to dangerously low levels. This can severely affect bodily functions and can be life-threatening. Gently warming the core involves using blankets, warm clothing, or a warm environment to increase the body temperature gradually. This is crucial because rapid warming can lead to complications such as shock or cardiac arrhythmias. It’s important to focus on the core areas where the body loses heat most significantly, such as the chest, abdomen, and neck, ensuring that warmth is applied specifically there for effective treatment. In contrast, other options such as giving cool beverages or moving the person to a cool place would exacerbate the condition, as they would further lower the body temperature. Additionally, plunging someone into a hot bath represents a serious risk since it can lead to dangerous temperature fluctuations and potential shock. Therefore, the key aspect of managing hypothermia is to warm the person slowly and safely, focusing on the core.