Regarding hypothermia, at what temperature should cooling be stopped?

Cooling in cases of hypothermia should be stopped when the patient's core temperature reaches around 102°F. This is because when a person is hypothermic, their body temperature drops significantly, and rewarming must be managed carefully to prevent complications such as arrhythmias, vasodilation, or rewarming shock.

Continuing to cool the patient below this threshold can lead to further complications, as doing so risks worsening their physiological state, especially when they are beginning to rewarm. Additionally, at temperatures lower than 102°F, the body is still in a state where it can be easily destabilized, and promoting further cooling could interfere with their ability to regain normothermia naturally.

The 102°F mark is often seen as a safe point to halt aggressive cooling in order to allow for a more balanced physiological response as core temperature approaches normal limits. This consideration is crucial in managing hypothermia effectively and ensuring the patient's safety throughout the rewarming process.