Accidental hypothermia treated with rapid rewarming by immersion.

Eighteen consecutive hypothermia patients were treated with rapid rewarming by immersion. Continous electrocardiographic monitoring, acid-base and central venous pressure measurements, vital signs, and fluid resuscitation with lactated Ringer's solution (tritrated to urine output) were employed as part of the therapeutic regimen. This regimen was associated with a single mortality. Rapid rewarming by immersion appears to be a safe, effective, and relatively simple method for treating accidental hypothermia victims.