In cases of hypothermia, when should a carotid pulse be checked?

In cases of hypothermia, it is crucial to monitor the patient's condition carefully. Checking the carotid pulse for a minimum of 1-2 minutes is important because hypothermia can significantly slow heart rates and make it difficult to determine if a pulse is present. Hypothermic patients can develop bradycardia, where the heart rate drops below normal ranges.

By checking the pulse for an extended duration, rescuers can avoid misinterpretation of a faint or slow pulse, ensuring an accurate assessment of the patient's circulatory status. A quick check may lead to the mistaken belief that the patient has no pulse, possibly leading to inappropriate interventions, such as initiating CPR too soon. Monitoring for a longer duration allows healthcare providers to make a more informed decision based on the patient's actual condition.