A medical, electrically powered thermal cover for fitting predominantly the trunk and head of a person experiencing or potentially experiencing traumatic or cold-exposure hypothermia. The thermal cover encases all of the torso and neck, and portions of other body areas. Heating may be distinctly non-uniform, being applied to the body surface only in special regions where the body's capacity for heat uptake may be relatively high. In sum, the system may monitor deep body core temperature, direct heat to the body core where it may be most needed, and controls therapy over time to restore normothermia.