ROLE 2 AND ROLE 3 PRIORITIES

- On patient arrival to the Role 2/3 facility, every effort must be made to prevent hypothermia; this should be a priority throughout resuscitative efforts and operative procedures. Control of ambient air temperature should be utilized to maintain a warm environment.
- Wet clothing and blankets should be removed immediately and a warming device applied if not done prior to arrival or if the device was damaged during transport.
- Use of warmed blood and blankets is indicated, where available, as well as forced air warming devices (Bair Hugger) as applicable.
- Continuous temperature monitoring is preferred, and temperatures should be documented on arrival to and discharge from the facility. A temperature sensing Foley catheter is a viable option to monitor temperature as well as the response to ongoing resuscitation efforts.
- If non-core temperature (oral, axillary, or tympanic) is outside of an expected range (<97F or >100F), use core temperature (rectal or esophageal) measurement for best accuracy.