When it comes time for medical professionals to purchase paramedic blood warmer devices, they will undoubtedly have a lot of questions. This article will take a look at some of the most frequently asked questions during the buying process and provide answers for them.
What is a fluid warmer?
A fluid warmer is a device that is used to heat liquids like intravenous (IV) fluids or blood before they are given to a patient. While hospitals and other medical facilities have devices that are powered by being plugged into an AC outlet, a first responder on the field will need a battery-powered option.
Why is a fluid warmer necessary?
The main reason for using this device before administering fluids is to prevent hypothermia. When fluids are provided at a temperature that is much lower than the victim's core body temperature, individuals will see their core body temperature drop and be susceptible to the threat of hypothermia.
What is hypothermia?
Hypothermia is the medical condition that indicates when an individual's core body temperature has dropped below 95 degrees Fahrenheit. The standard range for individuals in biological homeostasis is 98-100 degrees Fahrenheit. In the early stages of hypothermia, individuals will be shivering as they try to generate body heat. In later stages, body parts will turn blue, heart rate and respiration rate will fall, and amnesia will settle in. If it continues to go untreated, hypothermia can even be fatal.
Can a fluid warmer treat hypothermia or only prevent it?
While a fluid warmer is used to heat liquids before they are given to patients, this device can also be used to treat hypothermia. By heating blood or IV fluids with a fluid warmer, the medical professional will be able to increase a hypothermia victim's body heat by allowing him or her to provide warm liquids to the victim. When an individual does not have hypothermia but is suffering from another ailment like blood loss, trauma, or drug overdose, he or she is vulnerable to hypothermia. If blood is provided to the individual without using a paramedic blood warmer to heat the fluid, the blood will be so cold that it reduces the individual's body temperature and triggers hypothermia. Since an individual who needs blood is already suffering from one ailment, he or she cannot afford to be battling hypothermia at the same time.
What are the characteristics of an ideal fluid warmer?
An ideal fluid warmer is one that can be used in the field by paramedics or first responders. A portable device is one that is lightweight (under two pounds) and runs on battery power. The device should also be easy-to-use, with a set-up time that is under 30 seconds and a warm-up time around 45 seconds, so that blood or IV fluids can be provided with little delay. Some paramedic blood warmer devices have set-up instructions printed on the device, so paramedics can save time by avoiding confusion.
These are just some of the questions that are commonly asked about fluid warmer devices. Additional questions should be directed to a supplier of fluid warming supplies.