RE: Keeping patients warm

enigmaticat-uk — Wed, 21 Nov 2018 17:23:28 GMT

I use space blankets too (you know the foil ones they use for marathon runners) as they are easy to clean & can be cut to size. I try to remove them before the patient is too mobile though as the noise can be scary & easily chewed!

RE: Keeping patients warm

Susanna Taylor — Wed, 21 Nov 2018 05:47:07 GMT

Hi Jesse. A nobel mission!

Key aim should be to minimise losses from the beginning of anaesthesia. This may even be from premed time in heavily sedated or thin patients - consider covering these with blankets and using heat pads earlier on. As soon as possible after induction insulate as much as you can - I love bubble wrap held in place with micropore, (you can save BW from orders or buy a big roll cheaply). You can dispose after use, or wash and reuse.

AS far as heat sources go, have a look at the HotDogs range. Cocoon warm air blowers are also good, better for our patients than older Bair hugger models.

Warming IV fluids will only minimise losses through cold fluid, not warm the patient up. So it is worth doing, but as prevention rather than cure. Consider the rate of flow when positioning; slower the flow, nearer the patient. Purpose made fluid warmers are a bit safer. If you get a quiet moment , experiment by dripping the warmed fluid from the giving set over a thermometer and see what temperatures you get.

When in theatre, again use bubble wrap and tape to insulate the patient. DO everything you can to prevent the patient getting wet or laying in a puddle. Surgeon can't complain about clean bubble wrap! there is an argument against more blankets for sure though.

Also consider minimising losses through respiration - low flow and rebreathing systems are preferred: Circle systems and mini lacks.

You could also try subtly increasing the theatre room temp?

Make sure any fluids used to flush are body temperature.

Hopefully others will have some more ideas too.