Evaluation of the effects of low temperature on performance of standard non-electric medical equipment at -21.5°C (-6.7°F) - a descriptive study on a real life challenge in the prehospital setting.

Aim Of The Study: To our knowledge, there are no previous reports on the performance of medical equipment in cold conditions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of several plastic, single-use medical equipment exposed to cold outdoor temperature.

Methods: Medical equipment such as endotracheal tubes, suction catheters and intravenous lines were exposed to outdoor temperature of -21.5°C (-6.7°F) for 15 min. After 15 min the equipment underwent a manual stress test resembling normal prehospital use.

Results: After 15 min in -21.5°C (-6.7°F) during the stress test several equipment exhibited significant changes in properties as compared to room temperature. Mainly, loss of flexibility and connectivity was observed. Examples of these were fractures of endotracheal tubes and suction catheters, and permanent airway adapter loosening from a respirator breathing circuit.

Conclusion: Plastic medical equipment has poor tolerance of cold conditions. Loss of equipment performance and properties could result in relevant harm to the patient. Retaining the equipment, e.g. in a closed backpack slows the rate of temperature decrease.