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  • Title: Evaluation of warmed intravenous fluids in the prehospital setting.
    Author: Cassidy ES, Adkins CR, Rayl JH, Wipfler EJ.
    Journal: Air Med J; 2001; 20(5):25-6. PubMed ID: 11552108.
    Abstract:
    INTRODUCTION: 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. CONCLUSION: 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.
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