Background: Some crucial decisions in treatment of hypothermic patients are closely linked to core body\ntemperature. They concern modification of resuscitation algorithms and choosing the target hospital. Under- as\nwell as over-estimation of a patientâ??s temperature may limit his chances for survival. Only thermometers designed\nfor core temperature measurement can serve as a guide in such decision making. The aim of the study was to\nassess whether ambulance teams are equipped properly to measure core temperature.\nMethods: A survey study was conducted in collaboration with the Health Ministry in April 2018. Questionnaires\nregarding the model, number, and year of production of thermometers were sent to each pre-hospital unit of the\nNational Emergency Medical System in Poland.\nResults: A total of 1523 ground ambulances are equipped with 1582 thermometers. 53.57% are infrared-based ear\nthermometers, 23.02% are infrared-based surface thermometers, and 20.13% are conventional medical\nthermometers. Only 3.28% of devices are able to measure core body temperature. Most of analyzed thermometers\n(91.4%) are not allowed to operate in ambient temperature below 10 Degree C.\nConclusions: There are only 3.28% of ground ambulances that are able to follow precisely international guidelines\nregarding a patientâ??s core body temperature. A light, reliable thermometer designed to measure core temperature\nin pre-hospital conditions is needed.
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