Sorry, if that offended you but I don't cuddle to stupidity. It kills !
Infusing fluids at fifty degree temperature will and could have produced serious side effects. If one did not understand or have such knowledge that would be called ignorance. However; for one to have a medical license to practice medicine and this individual has at least eight years of advanced upper level of studies including mathematics, advanced science, physics, advanced physiology and at least three years of residency..... Yes, that could be considered to be stupid! Period.
If the physician would had infused such IV fluids, the courts would have said it another word called gross negligence. Yes, there has been documented IV's from medics with ice in the bag. So yes, it happens, as well as physicians and nurses microwaving blood products to heat them! Know what happens when you microwave blood and fluids ?
Part of the problem in EMS is we want to paint a pretty picture with rose colored glasses, and so we have many out there that do not have a concern of their actions. Yes, we all make common errors and mistakes and hopefully learn off them, but not to use common sense such as having knowledge of infusing fluids of fifty degrees will produce hypothermic reactions produce conditions such as v-fib, is not being ignorant but dangerous!
P.S. If you are going to be working in areas that are prone to handle hypothermic conditions, then be prepared for them. The statement said the fluids were fifty degrees, not heated or even at ambient room temperature.
As well, even though I do not work in areas that have little frigid conditions we still have IV warmers for blood and fluids if it is cold outside; there called thermal angels developed by a paramedic for EMS, to prevent infusion of cold fluids. If all else fails, carry a bag of 500 on your coat with your body heat to maintain the warmth or on the defroster unit or make some type of device to maintain fluid warmth > 70 degrees.
Ignorance in medicine is not negotiable because of whom you are or how your feelings might be hurt. It is well taught in medical curriculum's the dangers of infusing cool and cold fluids and the dangers associated with such. This is the reason of blood warmers and the legal documentation required to monitor temperatures for patients receiving large amounts of fluids such as post-op patients, patients on dialysis therapy with bath solutions and continue infusion of fluids.
Again, part of the problem in in EMS we assume. Not realizing some of our mundane actions can actually effect treatment outcomes and lives. Good intentions are not always enough to justify one's actions. We need to point out problems and be a patient advocate instead of worrying about peer's feelings. We are really supposed to be there for the patient.
For as calling firefighters firemonkeys or fire dogs, hose draggers, etc. As I have mentioned, there is a big difference between professional firefighters and those of the slang, the same as Paramedics and ambulance drivers. Whenever, either does not take their profession or position serious, then the name fits. I was promoted to Battalion Chief in a fire service, and earned my first degree in Fire Science, so I do know the difference between the two.
R/r 911
