Evaluation of warmed intravenous fluids in the prehospital setting.
BACKGROUND
This study was designed to determine if warmed intravenous fluid (IVF) in the prehospital setting improves core body temperature and patient comfort.


METHODS
Data were collected in a controlled, nonblinded, prospective study during the winter months of 2 consecutive years. Prehospital adult patients qualified if they received a bolus of 250 mL of fluid (20 mL/kg for pediatrics). Patient and IVF temperatures were measured on arrival at the ED. If the patient's condition allowed, a visual analog survey was completed.


RESULTS
Twenty adult patients were enrolled. The warmed IVUF demonstrated an average temperature of 32.5 degrees C (90.1 degrees F) versus 23.5 degrees C (74.3 degrees F) for nonwarmed fluids. The patients with warmed IVF demonstrated a higher core body temperature than the nonwarmed-36.8 degrees C (98.2 degrees F) versus 35.5 degrees C (95.9 degrees F). Overall, patient surveys showed increased comfort with warmed IVF.


CONCLUSIONS
Prehospital IVF can be warmed in the field and should help prevent the adverse effects of hypothermia. Although this study shows a trend in favor of warmed IVF, the population is too small to justify any broad statements. This matter warrants further investigation with a larger group of patients.
Cassidy
E S
ES
Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria, 530 NE Glen Oak, Peoria, IL 61637, USA.
Adkins
C R
CR
Rayl
J H
JH
Wipfler
E J
EJ
D000328:Adult; D001833:Body Temperature Regulation; D004632:Emergency Medical Services; D006302:Health Services Research; D006801:Humans; D007035:Hypothermia / Q000628:therapy*; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous / Q000379:methods*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014481:United States