Tracheal tubes in cold stress.

During rescues in cold climates, plastic tracheal tubes have fractured because of cold stress or mishandling. Susceptibility of rubber and plastic tracheal tubes to cold stress was tested in a climate chamber. Plastic tubes became stiffer when chilled, had greater resistance to reshaping and were more sensitive to shock and manipulation. They also need protection against cold and shock during transport. Rubber tubes were more tolerant of cold stress. Very cold rubber and plastic tubes may induce tissue damage. Rewarming to a nondangerous temperature was shown to be a quick procedure. It is suggested that the rescuer's own body heat be used.