EMS plays an important role in treating people who are injured in accidents. Typically an IV warmer is included in the equipment. A patient might suffer from hypothermia and other side effects including impaired coagulation, increased oxygen consumption and cardiac arrest if IV-fluid is delivered cold. Though it is always better to use the fluid in whatever form than not using at all, it is however, advised to use a EMS IV model with the most efficient specifications.
Power source is an important feature of EMS. EMS warmers usually need an electrical outlet that are made for clinics. Battery powered EMSs are also available that provides an advantage over mobility in dreadful situations and when medical centers are out of reach. With the mobility question, comes the weight issue. Typically an EMS weights from two to thirteen pounds, and with the weight of the battery the pace of mobility might be hampered with a small change in the mass during emergency situations.
EMS warmers efficiency is greatly dependent on the rate of fluid flow. Generally the flow rate ranges from 1.83 ml min-1 to 2.15 ml min-1. A patient receives the fluid faster when the correct rate is chosen. There are two types of EMS tubing which also determines the flow rate, however, one does not deliver special performance over the other.
One other important issue is identifying the correct temperature measuring device. There are several ways to configure the fluid temperature including circulating water and warming plates. These methods are however not 100% accurate. To determine the exact temperature, a paramedic needs to get it through the sensor place at the warming chamber.
Setup time and heat is another important specification. Normally it takes 12 minutes to warm up the fluid to the desired temperature. It can be done faster with more costly apparatus, which might prove to be useful in times of emergency. The most efficient warmer that is available in the market can setup in thirty seconds and heat up in only forty five seconds.
There are two types of EMSs available – reusable and disposable. There are so much of choices available while choosing which EMS to buy. The choice should me made depending on the needs and its application.
11 years ago