For outdoor enthusiasts, the approach of winter means they can dust off their skates, skis, snowmobiles or hunting rifles and start enjoying all the fun activities nature can provide in colder climates. Unfortunately in hospital emergency rooms and clinics, wintertime also brings with it risks of overexposure, hypothermia and frostbite. Medical professionals know that a key element in treating cold weather injuries is to bring body temperatures back to normal in a regulated and monitored environment. When precision counts in regulating body temperature, a reliable choice for medical facilities is the Medi-Therm® MTA6900 offered by Rehabmart. The Medi-Therm MTA6900 is a stand-alone unit that helps treat both Hyperthermia and Hypothermia by providing controlled heat or cold therapy with precision and dependability.

Hospitals have known for years about the benefits of water based systems for quickly, but safely stabilizing a patient's body temperature. When a patient comes into the emergency room with hypothermia, it means that his or her body is losing heat faster than the heart can warm the body, and the body temperature falls below 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Hyperthermia can occur when body temperatures rise above 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Patients suffering either condition may experience severe fluctuating body temperatures which can negatively impact critical body processes. When used in conjunction with specially designed hyper/hypothermia blankets, the Medi-Therm® MTA 6900 system delivers a safe, non-invasive method of effective patient warming and cooling. 
 

The Medi-Therm® unit houses separate heating and cooling water reservoirs that ensure the patient will receive quick relief with a continuous water flow. For maximum flexibility, the system offers both manual and automatic modes of operation. Automatic mode offers three different settings (Rapid, Moderate and Gradual) to regulate the cooling rate by controlling the blanket's temperature. For patient safety, the Medi-Therm system has two temperature warning systems. A visual alert provides an indication of faults, while an audible alarm lets you know if the water temperature limit is exceeded. A state-of-the art on-board microprocessor ensures temperature readings are accurate and will provide years of problem-free readings.

Although winter is primetime for hypothermia risk, there are a number of reasons why hospitals need to regulate and influence a patient's body temperature. Studies have shown that warming patients after surgery can aid in recovery and reduce discomfort. Cooling cardiac and trauma patients has also been shown to be an effective treatment in recent years. Whatever the reason, having reliable, precise equipment such as the Medi-Therm system to regulate a patient's body temperature can help speed recovery and get the individual back to enjoying life again whether it's on a ski trail or just relaxing at home in the warm company of family and friends.

Rachel Huber,
Medical Consumer Writer
and
Hulet Smith, OT
Rehabmart Team Leader & CEO