Substantiation of small-volume infusions for emergency care in the Arctic

Relevance. Hypothermia prophylaxis in casualties is an essential part of medical-evacuation measures. It is most important in the low-temperature environment, particularly in the Arctic. Intention. To substantiate small-volume infusions for emergency care under extremely low temperatures. Methods. An experimental model of an acute hemorrhage (approximately 50 % of circulating blood volume) in male Romanov sheep with average weight 29.3 ± 0.5 kg was used. Rectal temperature and vital signs (heart rate, respiratory rate, arterial pressure) were monitored following infusion of cooled (down to –3 °C) test colloidal solution based on hydroxiethylamylum (blood volume replacement 1:1) or hypertonic (7.5 %) NaCl solution (blood volume replacement 1:9). Results and Discussion. One day following infusions, all the experimental animals survived. Arterial pressure and respiration rate returned to initial levels. Hydroxiethylamylum-based blood substitutes in a volume equivalent to hemorrhage led to 7 °С decrease in the rectal temperature of experimental animals. Following small-volume infusions (hypertonic NaCl), the rectal temperature decreased by 2 °С, while the duration of infusion decreased approximately 8.6 times. Conclusion. The following conclusion was drawn: small-volume infusions, even with cold solutions, are highly effective and expedient for blood replacement under extreme environmental conditions. Thus, iatrogenic hypothermia is less pronounced and interventions are shorter.

emergency situation, the Arctic, emergency care, acute hemorrhage, cold infusion solution

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