Specialized Patient Care

[billy]

Regarding patient care, how do you warm IV fluids prior to, and during adminstration? Also, how do warm oxygen during administration?

[ENGINE1MEDIC]

Several departments that I have talked with have a small microwave on their heavy rescue vehicles and "nuke" the fluids for 30-45 seconds, also some departments have purchased fluid warmers that have been placed on medic units and dive/swiftwater rescue units.
To warm O2 prior to pt administration, heat packs can be wrapped around the administration tubing if a commercial O2 warmer is not available.

[This message has been edited by ENGINE1MEDIC (edited July 27, 1999).]

[bechereg]

The heat packs works well also with the IV fluids. Rap the pack in a wash cloth, place it in a rapid infusion bag and off to work you go.
Stay safe
Ed