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Temporal artery thermometer use in the prehospital setting
Erica Carleton1, Brenda Fry, Ashlee Mulligan
1Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region - Research and Performance Support, SK, Canada.
CJEM
|March 16, 2012
Summary
Temporal artery thermometers (TAT) show promise as a prehospital alternative to digital thermometers, performing well in cold weather and receiving positive paramedic feedback. Further research is needed to confirm their utility in emergency medical services.
Area of Science:
- Emergency Medicine
- Medical Device Technology
- Patient Monitoring
Background:
- Prehospital vital sign assessment is crucial for patient care.
- Current emergency medical service (EMS) systems rely on digital thermometers for temperature measurement.
- Evaluating new technologies for prehospital use is essential for improving patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the usefulness of the temporal artery thermometer (TAT) in the prehospital setting.
- To compare TAT readings with in-ambulance digital thermometers and emergency department (ED) digital thermometers.
- To investigate the impact of environmental factors and gather paramedic satisfaction data regarding TAT use.
Main Methods:
- Prospective, observational study design.
- Simultaneous temperature measurements using TAT and digital thermometers by EMS personnel.
- Chart review comparing TAT and ED digital thermometer readings.
Main Results:
- A moderate positive correlation was observed between TAT and prehospital digital thermometers, but with poor agreement.
- Good agreement was found between TAT and ED digital thermometers.
- TAT demonstrated reliable performance in cold ambient temperatures, with no significant impact from extraneous factors. Paramedics reported ease of use and higher perceived accuracy.
Conclusions:
- The temporal artery thermometer (TAT) is a viable alternative to traditional digital thermometers in prehospital settings.
- Paramedics expressed a preference for TAT over in-ambulance digital thermometers.
- Further investigation is warranted to fully establish TAT's role in EMS.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Assessing Body Temperature - Temporal Artery
Here is a stepwise guide to assessing the body temperature at the temporal artery using a temporal artery thermometer
Step 1: Perform hand hygiene and don a fresh pair of gloves to prevent cross-infection and ensure patient safety.
Step 2: Explain the procedure to the patient to establish trust. Clear communication establishes trust with the patient, ensures they understand what to expect, promotes cooperation, and enhances comfort during the procedure.
Step 3: Assess the patient's forehead...
Step 1: Perform hand hygiene and don a fresh pair of gloves to prevent cross-infection and ensure patient safety.
Step 2: Explain the procedure to the patient to establish trust. Clear communication establishes trust with the patient, ensures they understand what to expect, promotes cooperation, and enhances comfort during the procedure.
Step 3: Assess the patient's forehead...
01:14Temperature Measurement Sites
A thermometer measures body temperature. The common sites for measuring body temperature are the oral cavity, axillary region, temporal artery, and skin surface, such as the forehead, abdomen, and axilla. True core body temperature is assessed in the rectum, tympanic membrane, pulmonary artery, esophagus, and urinary bladder.
Oral: When assessing oral temperature, the thermometer tip should be placed under the tongue in the posterior sublingual pocket. It offers accurate readings and can be...
Oral: When assessing oral temperature, the thermometer tip should be placed under the tongue in the posterior sublingual pocket. It offers accurate readings and can be...
01:13Equipments Used to Measure Body Temperature
Body temperature can be assessed using various devices and measured in Celsius or Fahrenheit.
Glass-bulb Thermometer:
Glass-bulb thermometers are hollow glass tubes with a bulb tip containing liquid such as ethanol or mercury. Historically, glass bulb mercury thermometers were the standard device to measure body temperature. Today, mercury thermometers are prohibited in many countries due to the hazardous effects of mercury and the risk of exposure if the glass bulb breaks. In general,...
Glass-bulb Thermometer:
Glass-bulb thermometers are hollow glass tubes with a bulb tip containing liquid such as ethanol or mercury. Historically, glass bulb mercury thermometers were the standard device to measure body temperature. Today, mercury thermometers are prohibited in many countries due to the hazardous effects of mercury and the risk of exposure if the glass bulb breaks. In general,...
01:14Assessing Body Temperature - Tympanic membrane
Assessing tympanic membrane temperature involves using a tympanic membrane thermometer (TMT). Here is a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Begin by practicing good hand hygiene to prevent the transmission of microorganisms.
Step 2: Turn on the thermometer and wait until the ready sign appears on the screen to ensure accurate measurement.
Step 3: Slide the probe cover in place to prevent cross-contamination.
Step 4: Instruct the patient to tilt their head to the side for comfort and check for cerumen...
Step 1: Begin by practicing good hand hygiene to prevent the transmission of microorganisms.
Step 2: Turn on the thermometer and wait until the ready sign appears on the screen to ensure accurate measurement.
Step 3: Slide the probe cover in place to prevent cross-contamination.
Step 4: Instruct the patient to tilt their head to the side for comfort and check for cerumen...
01:14Assessing Body Temperature - Oral
Here are the steps to accurately measure oral temperature using an electronic thermometer:
Step 1:
Start by practicing proper hand hygiene to prevent the spread of microorganisms.
Step 2:
Take the thermometer out of the charging unit, switch it on, and wait for the ready sign.
Step 3:
Gently slide the probe cover until a click is heard. This simple action prevents cross-contamination and ensures the correct placement of the probe cover.
Step 4:
Instruct the patient to open their mouth and place...
Step 1:
Start by practicing proper hand hygiene to prevent the spread of microorganisms.
Step 2:
Take the thermometer out of the charging unit, switch it on, and wait for the ready sign.
Step 3:
Gently slide the probe cover until a click is heard. This simple action prevents cross-contamination and ensures the correct placement of the probe cover.
Step 4:
Instruct the patient to open their mouth and place...
01:14Assessing Body Temperature - Axilla
Procedural Guide for Assessing Axillary Body Temperature using a Digital Thermometer:
Step 1: Perform hand hygiene and put on clean gloves to maintain infection control and prevent cross-contamination.
Step 2: Prepare the patient by explaining the procedure to ensure understanding and cooperation. Ensure privacy, expose the axilla, and inform the patient that minimal movement is crucial for an accurate reading.
Step 3: Adjust the patient’s clothing to expose only the axilla. It minimizes...
Step 1: Perform hand hygiene and put on clean gloves to maintain infection control and prevent cross-contamination.
Step 2: Prepare the patient by explaining the procedure to ensure understanding and cooperation. Ensure privacy, expose the axilla, and inform the patient that minimal movement is crucial for an accurate reading.
Step 3: Adjust the patient’s clothing to expose only the axilla. It minimizes...