Engineering a Core Temperature Monitoring System to Support Patient Care at Risk of Exertional Heat Stress

Abstract

Extremely high temperatures in Phoenix lead to a proportionally larger amount of heatstroke cases. EMS staff must treat patients in mobile ice baths, requiring quick and accurate core temperature readings. Current thermometers lack the accuracy, speed, and temperature ranges necessary for early intervention. More accurate esophageal thermometers are difficult to position during field airway management, creating a clinical gap.

Our concept is an enhanced esophageal temperature monitoring system designed for field use. The core innovation is a redesigned flexible shaping wire embedded into the catheter structure which plugs into the probe. This inclusion allows firefighters to guide and position the probe properly. The probe will interface with a handheld monitor for temperature updates and alerts.

Our response time threshold of < 30 seconds was validated with an average time of 14 seconds. Threshold detection was also validated falling between 5 – 10 seconds, with a guideline of < 10 seconds. Precision of temperature tracking within 0.9 degrees Fahrenheit was achieved with a range of plus or minus 0.76 -0.79. The accuracy partially passed the initial threshold finding an average error of 0.4 degrees Fahrenheit compared to the initial indication of plus or minus 0.36.

This innovation will allow for informed field treatment to save lives of heatstroke patients in Phoenix. It could be scaled out nationwide after initial distribution in the valley. This would be subject to a Class 2 FDA approval. Applications of the device could also go further to save lives in hypothermia patients.

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