The 5-point Hypowrap for Hypothermia

Hypothermia is a serious and always present threat to patients in the wilderness setting. The onset of hypothermia in the presence of other major trauma injuries can potentiate shock. As a DPS EMS SAR responder, you must be extensively familiar with hypothermia and its management. Below are the Wilderness Medical Society's guidelines for hypothermia, including how to build a hypowarp properly. The video below also demonstrates how to build a hypo wrap. 

You are expected to build a 5-point hypowrap for all potentially hypothermic patients in the wilderness setting. Or for those patients who can not move or will be in the litter basket during the winter months (October through May). This type of hypowrap will be reviewed momentarily.

How To Build A Hypowrap

Remember YOU are the rescue professional. Poorly constructed hypowraps are not acceptable, especially during the cold temperatures of the winter months. You are expected to have the following to build a hypowrap: 

• A zero-degree sleeping bag (required between October to March)

• a full-length, insulated sleeping pad

• two foil thermal blankets

• a tarp large enough to fully wrap around and enclose the patient

These items can be carried by multiple individuals on the team or by you as the medical provider. However, creating a compact hypowrap system for your winter pack is advisable. Either way, as the EMS SAR responder, you are responsible for the quality of the hypowrap and will have to document the quality and score in your patient care report. You may have to report the score of your hypowrap over the radio to IB or higher-level medical. The point system is introduced below. 

Your goal is to build a 5-point hypowrap:

• 1 point - The patient's clothing is NOT wet

• 1 point - The patient is on a full-length sleeping pad

• 1 point - The patient is fully enclosed in a zero-degree (minimum) sleeping bag

• 1 point - A reflective thermal blanket is wrapped directly around the patient

• 1 point - The patient and all insulation are fully enclosed in a tarp or other vapor barrier

We recommend writing the criteria for a 5-point hypowrap down. That's how important it is.