Standards Procedure (Skill)
Clinical Indications: Levels: EMT-B, EMT- D,
EMT-I, EMT-P
Ř Patients with suspected infection, hypothermia, hyperthermia, or to assist in evaluating resuscitation efforts
Procedures:
a. If clinically appropriate, allow the patient to reach equilibrium with the surrounding environment. For example, the temperature of a child or infant that has been heavily bundled is often inaccurate, so disrobe them for 3 to 5 minutes before taking a temperature.
b. For adult patients that are conscious, cooperative, and in no respiratory distress, an oral temperature is preferred. For infants and adult that do not meet this criterion, a rectal temperature is preferred.
c. To obtain an oral temperature, ensure the patient has no significant oral trauma and place the thermometer under the patient’s tongue with an appropriate sterile covering and have patient seal mouth around thermometer.
d. If using an electric thermometer, leave the device in place until there is an indication an accurate temperature has been detected (per the “beep” or other indicator specific to the device.) If using a traditional thermometer, leave it in place until there is no change in the reading for at least 30 seconds (usually 2-3 minutes. Document findings.
e. If the use of a rectal temperature is necessary, cover the thermometer with an appropriate sterile covering and generously lubricate distal end with a water soluble jelly, and insert into the rectum no more than 1 to 2 cm beyond the external anal sphincter.
f. Follow the guidelines in step “D” to obtain temperature.
g. Record procedure, time and patient response in the ACR.
Certification Requirements:
Successfully complete an annual skill evaluation including the indications, contraindications, technique, and possible complications of the procedure.