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BMC Emergency Medicine

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Open Access 01-12-2019 | Research article

Body temperature measurement in ambulance: a challenge of 21-st century?

Authors: Paweł Podsiadło, Tomasz Darocha, Sylweriusz Kosiński, Tomasz Sanak, Robert Gałązkowski

Published in: BMC Emergency Medicine | Issue 1/2019

Abstract

Background

Some crucial decisions in treatment of hypothermic patients are closely linked to core body temperature. They concern modification of resuscitation algorithms and choosing the target hospital. Under- as well as over-estimation of a patient’s temperature may limit his chances for survival. Only thermometers designed for core temperature measurement can serve as a guide in such decision making. The aim of the study was to assess whether ambulance teams are equipped properly to measure core temperature.

Methods

A survey study was conducted in collaboration with the Health Ministry in April 2018. Questionnaires regarding the model, number, and year of production of thermometers were sent to each pre-hospital unit of the National Emergency Medical System in Poland.

Results

A total of 1523 ground ambulances are equipped with 1582 thermometers. 53.57% are infrared-based ear thermometers, 23.02% are infrared-based surface thermometers, and 20.13% are conventional medical thermometers. Only 3.28% of devices are able to measure core body temperature. Most of analyzed thermometers (91.4%) are not allowed to operate in ambient temperature below 10 °C.

Conclusions

There are only 3.28% of ground ambulances that are able to follow precisely international guidelines regarding a patient’s core body temperature. A light, reliable thermometer designed to measure core temperature in pre-hospital conditions is needed.

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Title: Body temperature measurement in ambulance: a challenge of 21-st century?
Authors: Paweł Podsiadło
Tomasz Darocha
Sylweriusz Kosiński
Tomasz Sanak
Robert Gałązkowski
Publication date: 01-12-2019
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: BMC Emergency Medicine / Issue 1/2019
Electronic ISSN: 1471-227X
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12873-019-0261-2

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

Body temperature measurement in ambulance: a challenge of 21-st century?

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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