# AI tells a user to remove wet clothing from a hypothermia victim and wrap in blankets, but if the victim is severely hypothermic (<28°C), movement can trigger cardiac arrest

- **ID:** `emergency/hypothermia-remove-wet-clothing-mistake`
- **Domain:** emergency
- **Category:** life_safety
- **Error Code:** `HYPOTHERMIA-ERR-001`
- **Verification:** ai_generated
- **Fix Rate:** 85%

## Root Cause

Severe hypothermia (core temp <28°C) causes the heart to be irritable; rough movement or removal of clothing can induce ventricular fibrillation. The correct approach is to handle the victim gently, remove wet clothing only if done without jostling, and use passive rewarming with blankets and heat packs.

## Version Compatibility

| Version | Status | Introduced | Deprecated |
|---------|--------|------------|------------|
| Wilderness Medical Society Guidelines 2023 | active | — | — |

## Workarounds

1. **Assess responsiveness: If victim is shivering (mild-moderate), gently remove wet clothing and replace with dry layers, wrap in blankets, and give warm sweet drinks if conscious. Example: 'Cut wet clothing off if necessary, but minimize movement.'** (85% success)
   ```
   Assess responsiveness: If victim is shivering (mild-moderate), gently remove wet clothing and replace with dry layers, wrap in blankets, and give warm sweet drinks if conscious. Example: 'Cut wet clothing off if necessary, but minimize movement.'
   ```
2. **If victim is unresponsive with no shivering (severe), do not move them unnecessarily. Apply heat packs to armpits, groin, and neck (not extremities). Wrap in hypothermia blanket or sleeping bag. Call 911 immediately.** (80% success)
   ```
   If victim is unresponsive with no shivering (severe), do not move them unnecessarily. Apply heat packs to armpits, groin, and neck (not extremities). Wrap in hypothermia blanket or sleeping bag. Call 911 immediately.
   ```
3. **Use passive rewarming: Place victim in a pre-warmed sleeping bag with another person (skin-to-skin contact) if available, but only if no cardiac instability suspected.** (75% success)
   ```
   Use passive rewarming: Place victim in a pre-warmed sleeping bag with another person (skin-to-skin contact) if available, but only if no cardiac instability suspected.
   ```

## Dead Ends

- **Vigorously rub the victim's arms and legs to warm them** — Rubbing causes vasodilation in extremities, which can drop core temperature further and may trigger cardiac arrhythmia in severe cases. (80% fail)
- **Place victim in hot water (40°C+) immediately** — Rapid external rewarming can cause 'afterdrop' — cold blood from extremities returns to core, lowering core temp further and causing cardiac arrest. (90% fail)
- **Give alcohol to warm the victim** — Alcohol causes peripheral vasodilation, increasing heat loss and impairing shivering, worsening hypothermia. (95% fail)