A paramedic blood warmer allows paramedics to deliver a warm IV fluid infusion to injury victims - a measure that helps prevent hypothermia and its dangerous side effects, such as cardiac arrest, impaired immune systems, and impaired coagulation. If an EMS service is considering implementing portable IV warmers in its paramedic IV kits, and there are questions about which type of warmer to choose, the answer below will help.
How long should it take the warmer to be ready for service?
The device should be ready to use in less than two minutes. The most efficient model has a set up time of 30 seconds, and a warm up time of 45 seconds. In comparison, other models take over ten minutes to be ready for service - a period of time that is too long for patients who need emergency infusions.
How much should the warmer weigh?
The real question is how much should the device with the battery attached weigh? The weight of some models more than doubles when the battery is attached; while other warmers remain relatively light after the battery is added. Ideally, the device should weigh less than two pounds with the battery connected. Models that weigh more than this may make it harder for EMS crews to move over difficult terrain.
What type of tubing should the warmer use?
A paramedic blood warmer should ideally use standard tubing instead of proprietary tubing, because of its three disadvantages. It is more expensive than standard tubing; it must be ordered from the manufacturer, and it rarely offers a benefit to the IV fluid infusion process.
What method of temperature measurement should the warmer use?
The device should measure the temperature of the liquid directly. Placing a temperature sensor in the fluid path is the best way to do this. Some warmers use indirect methods of temperature measurement, such as measuring the temperature of warming plates or circulating water. These methods do not ensure that the liquid is the right temperature.
What are the benefits of a disposable model?
A disposable model has at least three benefits: it does not require sterilization or maintenance; it eliminates the possibility of acquired infections due to improper sterilization, and it prevents field crews from lugging around equipment that must be sterilized before it is used again. A patient can use the same disposable warmer throughout his or her hospital stay.
What flow rate should the warmer Have?
The device should have a flow rate of 2-150 ml/min to accommodate various types of infusions. Models that have a narrower flow rate may be inappropriate for certain types of infusions.
Conclusion
A paramedic blood warmer allows paramedics to deliver a heated IV fluid infusion that helps prevent hypothermia and its side effects, such as cardiac arrest, impaired immune systems, and impaired coagulation. If an EMS service needs information about IV warmers, reading the answers above is a good place to start. For additional information about the devices, contact a supplier of EMS IV equipment today.