During hypothermia management, where should heat packs be placed first?

• A. Groin, axillae, and behind the neck.
• B. Chest, back, and abdomen.
• C. Palms and soles.
• D. Head and face.

Answer: (A)

In hypothermia management, the goal is to raise the body's core temperature quickly by warming the central circulation. Target areas with large blood vessels near the trunk so warmth reaches the core fastest. Placing heat packs in the groin, under the arms (axillae), and behind the neck does this effectively, warming the central blood supply early and reducing the risk of circulating cold blood back to the heart (the afterdrop). Peripheral areas like palms and soles don’t influence core temperature as much, and heating the head and face isn’t the most efficient way to raise core warmth. While the chest, back, and abdomen are also central, those particular locations—groin, axillae, and behind the neck—provide the quickest initial impact on core warming.