References
The effect of ambient outside temperatures on scoop stretchers
Abstract
Background:
Scoop stretchers are commonly used in the prehospital care of trauma patients. Patients' clothing is often removed early in the care pathway. There may be unidentified risks if scoop stretchers are particularly cold.
Aims:
The primary aim of this research was to establish if there is a positive correlation between scoop temperatures and outside temperatures when this equipment is stored without access to vehicle heating.
Methods:
The authors recruited volunteers at ambulance locations across Scotland to measure scoop temperatures using infrared thermometers. These were compared to outside temperatures at that time. Data were subject to bivariate quantitative analysis to assess correlation strength.
Findings:
Results demonstrated that there was a moderate-to-strong correlation between scoop temperatures and outside temperatures (mean +3.0°C; P<0.001). There was no significant difference for other variables measured.
Conclusion:
Without active heating, scoop stretchers will be only marginally warmer than the outside temperature, sometimes colder than the outside temperature and sometimes below freezing point.
In the UK, trauma is the leading cause of death in patients aged under 45 years (Brown et al, 2019). In 2018 in Scotland, around 21% of patients classified as major trauma (Injury Severity Score (ISS) >15) died from their injuries (Public Health Scotland, 2022).
In major trauma, the relationship between hypothermia and coagulopathy and mortality has been well described (Valeri et al, 1995; Fries and Martini, 2010; Balvers et al, 2016; Klauke et al, 2016).
Hypothermia is a predictor for mortality; hypothermia with acidosis and coagulopathy is often termed the ‘triad of death’ (Rotondo and Zonies, 1997). Graphical representation of the triad is often as an equilateral triangle. This may lead one to assume that all elements of the triad are equal in causality. However, in 2005, two large cohort retrospective studies both found that hypothermia was an independent predictor of mortality (Shafi et al, 2005; Wang et al, 2005). More recent research has identified it poses the same independent risk factor in patients with trauma (Balmer et al, 2022).
Subscribe to get full access to the Journal of Paramedic Practice
Thank you for visiting the Journal of Paramedic Practice and reading our archive of expert clinical content. If you would like to read more from the only journal dedicated to those working in emergency care, you can start your subscription today for just £48.
What's included
-
CPD Focus
-
Develop your career
-
Stay informed