# Hypothermic in the Heat: A Case of Hypothermia in a Vulnerable Older Adult in South Florida

## TL;DR

An 82-year-old man in South Florida developed hypothermia during summer and was successfully treated with fluids, rewarming, and antibiotics.

## Contribution

Highlights hypothermia risk in older adults in warm climates and the importance of early recognition.

## Key findings

- An 82-year-old man presented with hypothermia (33.6°C) during summer in South Florida.
- Treatment included IV fluids, active rewarming, and antibiotics for pneumonia.
- The patient was successfully discharged after ICU admission and physical therapy.

## Abstract

Hypothermia is defined as a core body temperature of less than 35°C. This report centers on the case of an older adult who presented to the emergency department (ED) with mild hypothermia, bradycardia, and electrolyte abnormalities during the summer in a warm climate. The patient was an 82-year-old man who was found to be hypothermic (33.6°C rectally), hypotensive, and bradycardic. He was treated with intravenous (IV) fluid resuscitation, active external rewarming (AER), and empiric antibiotics for his left lower lobe pneumonia. He was admitted to the intensive care unit and ultimately discharged home with physical therapy. Older adults are at an increased risk for hypothermia, even in a tropical climate. Early recognition of hypothermia is essential to achieve good outcomes.