Quick Answer
Using alcohol to rewarm is not recommended as it can worsen the situation by drawing heat away from the body, causing further heat loss and potentially leading to more severe hypothermia.
Alcohol’s Heat-Transfer Properties
Alcohol is a vasodilator, which means it can cause blood vessels to dilate. While this might seem beneficial in rewarming, it can lead to a paradoxical effect where the body loses heat more quickly. This is because the dilated blood vessels allow cold blood to circulate closer to the surface, reducing the core body temperature.
Risk of Hypothermia Exacerbation
When alcohol is applied to the skin to rewarm, it can draw heat away from the body, further lowering the core temperature. This can lead to more severe hypothermia, characterized by decreased cognitive function, muscle weakness, and a higher risk of cardiac arrest. For every minute the body temperature drops below 95°F (35°C), the risk of death increases by 10%.
Alternative Rewarming Methods
Instead of using alcohol, medical professionals recommend using warm water immersion (WBI), passive rewarming, or active rewarming techniques such as using a heating blanket or warm compresses. Passive rewarming involves placing the individual in a warm environment, while active rewarming requires direct application of heat. In cases of severe hypothermia, intravenous (IV) fluids and medications may be administered to help regulate body temperature.
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