SECTION 1: PATIENT WARMING1,2

Table 1. Passive Rewarming Methods

  • Level A: Evidence from multiple randomized trials or meta-analyses.
  • Level B: Evidence from a single randomized trial or non-randomized studies.
  • Level C: Expert opinion, case studies, or standards of care.
  • NE = not effective; √ = mildly effective; √√ = moderately effective; √√√ = highly effective

Other Patient Warming Devices

CAUTION: Devices A-B should NOT be placed under the patient’s back or directly on bare skin. Doing so may increase the likelihood of thermal burns or render the device inoperable.

HAWK Warming Grid

Ready-Heat Panel Blanket

  • https://www.ready-heat.com/products/military/
  • Air activated, NOT heat adjustable
  • Conditions below 0F require extended time (+ 30 minutes) to reach operating temperature.
  • Rendered inoperable by fluids and must ensure patient is dry prior to application and keep away from potential fluid sources.
  • 8-10 hours of operation

Geratherm Mini Rescue II Hypothermia Kit

  • rgmd.com
  • Currently in the SOCOM Tribalco T-5 CASEVAC Kit

Chill Buster Blanket

Wiggy’s or down sleeping bag

Section 2: Fluid Warming5

Desirable Characteristics of a Resuscitation Fluid Warming Device

List of warming devices available on the market.

  • Level A: Evidence from multiple randomized trials or meta-analyses.
  • Level B: Evidence from a single randomized trial or non-randomized studies.
  • Level C: Expert opinion, case studies, or standards of care.

Abbreviations: √, mildly effective; √√, moderately effective; √√√, highly effective

Section 3: Temperature Monitoring

Temperature Monitoring Devices

  • Temperature sensing Foley
  • (Forehead) temperature sensing ‘dots’
  • DataTherm(R)II Continuous Temperature Monitor - in the SOCOM Tribalco T-5 Cardiac Ki
  • Propaq MD
    • Airworthiness approved
    • BATDOK (Battlefield Assisted Trauma Distributed Observation Kit) enabled
    • Several different options available for real-time temperature monitoring
  • Philips Tempus Pro - Airworthiness approved
  • Welch Allyn SureTemp - Airworthiness approved
  • 3M Bair Hugger Temperature Monitoring System23 - Portable device still under development, but may have applicability in the trauma setting

References

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