# 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) this can cause cardiac arrest from afterdrop

- **ID:** `emergency/hypothermia-remove-wet-clothing-severe`
- **Domain:** emergency
- **Category:** life_safety
- **Error Code:** `HYPOTHERMIA-AFTERDROP-ERR-001`
- **Verification:** ai_generated
- **Fix Rate:** 78%

## Root Cause

The AI fails to differentiate between mild and severe hypothermia; in severe cases (<28°C core temp), moving the victim or removing clothing can trigger ventricular fibrillation due to afterdrop (cold blood from periphery moving to core). The correct protocol is gentle handling, minimal movement, and passive rewarming with dry insulation.

## Workarounds

1. **For severe hypothermia: do not remove wet clothing; instead, wrap the victim in a vapor barrier (e.g., plastic sheet) and then in dry blankets or sleeping bags. Keep the victim horizontal and avoid any jarring movements. If conscious, give warm (not hot) sweet drinks.** (80% success)
   ```
   For severe hypothermia: do not remove wet clothing; instead, wrap the victim in a vapor barrier (e.g., plastic sheet) and then in dry blankets or sleeping bags. Keep the victim horizontal and avoid any jarring movements. If conscious, give warm (not hot) sweet drinks.
   ```
2. **Use a portable hypothermia wrap kit: place chemical heat packs (e.g., HotHands) wrapped in cloth on the neck, armpits, and groin (but not directly on skin). Monitor for cardiac arrhythmias and be ready for CPR.** (75% success)
   ```
   Use a portable hypothermia wrap kit: place chemical heat packs (e.g., HotHands) wrapped in cloth on the neck, armpits, and groin (but not directly on skin). Monitor for cardiac arrhythmias and be ready for CPR.
   ```

## Dead Ends

- **** — Rubbing or massaging limbs to warm the victim, but this forces cold blood back to the core and increases afterdrop risk. (90% fail)
- **** — Placing victim in hot water or using hot packs directly on skin, which can cause burns and rapid core temperature fluctuations. (85% fail)