What effect does hypothermia have on trauma patients?

Hypothermia has a significant impact on trauma patients, particularly in terms of survival chances. When body temperature drops below the normal range, several physiological processes become impaired. Specifically, hypothermia can lead to coagulopathy, where the blood's ability to clot effectively is diminished. This is critical in trauma scenarios where controlling hemorrhage is vital for patient survival.

Additionally, hypothermia can depress the immune response, making patients more susceptible to infections, which is a concern in trauma care. The body's metabolic rate decreases, leading to poor perfusion, compromised tissue oxygenation, and increased risk of organ failure. All these factors combined negatively affect the overall prognosis of trauma patients. Maintaining normothermia is a key aspect of trauma care to enhance survival prospects and improve outcomes for patients in critical situations.