A Novel Technique for Ice Water Immersion in Severe Drug-Induced Hyperthermia in the Emergency Department

Abstract

Background: Methamphetamine can cause life-threatening hyperthermia and treatment must be aggressive and rapid. There are multiple methods of cooling, with cold-water immersion being one of the most effective treatment options. However, this method is technically difficult to institute in the emergency department setting.

Case report: We report 2 patients who presented with life-threatening hyperthermia from methamphetamine and were treated in the emergency department with a novel technique of using a body bag filled with ice water to perform rapid cooling. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: This method of cooling is a safe, rapid, and efficacious method for emergency physicians to perform cold water immersion in the department.

Keywords: body cooling; cooling rates; emergency medicine; hyperthermia; methamphetamine.