IV Fluid Warmers

[codeblue81]

Well I figured that since it's been awhile since my last visit I should at least post a question.

My vollie ambulance is looking into purchasing an IV fluid warmer for the rig. Right now the FD keeps the firehouse between 55 and 60 degrees. And as we all know that's abit too cold to be dumping into a patient.

Does anyone have a commercial IV warmer in their rig and where did you folks get it at. We were told that money is no object by the Village Ambulance Board. Any ideas??

code_blue81:D

[IAMedic]

This is the one we use (http://www.buyemp.com/dept.asp?dept%5Fid=1094601). I like it, it's easy and cheap. We keep on 1000ml LR and one 1000ml NS. It keeps a temp of around 100*-110*. We rotate the fluids every two weeks. We end up using them in conjunction with the Bearhugger in the ER more than out in the field. But it has served it's purpose very well.

If you got the money and want all the extra bells and whistles, this one is for you (http://www.buyemp.com/dept.asp?dept%5Fid=1094602).

We buy through EMP all of the time. I have found they can be cheaper than most companies. They use to be salesperson oriented, but now they primarily base their operations off of the website. This helps them eliminate the additional costs of having a salesperson. But, I'd check with your local supply companies and see if they can cut you a deal also. Our Boundtree Rep tries hard, but he has to make some money too.

There are hundreds of models out there. No matter which one you get, it is better than nothing!!

Good Luck!!

[firenresq77]

Why not just use a heating pad? That's what we use..... Just set the heating pad on the shelef next to the CPR seat , put your IV bags on it, then cover it with some towels. Works pretty good....... And much much cheaper!!!!!

[emt259735]

They make IV warmers? Wow for years we just slapped them onto the vehicle defroster just to remove some of the ice crystals (sounds scary huh?) Our two new "twins" both have onboard box heaters so they're around sixty degrees inside the cab while sitting. However, the third rig we've got has nothing, our solution for now is to keep the bag inside our headquarters (yes our rigs sit outside, construction on new hq/garage starts soon). We take the key set for that particular ambulance rapped around the straps for the ALS bag.

[ramseycl]

The new rescue that we are getting the first of the year will have a warmer. Until then we use a heating pad, you can wrap the tubing around it, worked pretty well.

[hageremtp]

we bought a couple of small fridges that aslo have a warming unit in them. One is kept cold for our drugs (sux cardiazem etc) and one is kept warm for IV fluids. Picked it up at walmart on sale for 39.99, and have used em for a couple of years now. THey work well!!

[medicchick]

How about the ambulance defroster or heater vents? It works and it's cheap......

[TNEMT18325]

Our IV warmer is the trucks defroster on high! We have to leave our trucks running all night due the fact that our company has not purchased cords so we can plug them up.

Overcome and adapt!