During a severe hypothermic event, why should you avoid rapid rewarming?

In cases of severe hypothermia, it is crucial to avoid rapid rewarming because it can lead to cardiac dysrhythmia and arrest. When the body is exposed to extreme cold temperatures, the heart and other vital systems slow down to conserve heat. Rapid rewarming can cause a sudden increase in blood flow to the core, releasing cold blood from the extremities back into the central circulation too quickly. This can disrupt the electrical stability of the heart, leading to arrhythmias, which can be fatal.

In addition to this, while patient comfort, management ability outside a hospital, and possible agitation are considerations in the management of hypothermia, they do not pose the same immediate life-threatening risks associated with rapid core rewarming. The priority in a severe hypothermic event is to stabilize the cardiovascular system and prevent potentially fatal complications.