Читать книгу Emergency Medical Services - Группа авторов - Страница 445

Prehospital measurement of plasma glucose using a glucometer is a key element of assessment. In past decades, dextrose was empirically given to all patients with altered mental status without first measuring plasma glucose. Investigators found that few patients benefited from such empiric treatment, and some were harmed, as in the case of stroke [8, 9]. Glucometer use by prehospital personnel is safe and accurate [10, 11]. Glucose test strips must be stored in temperature‐controlled sections of the ambulance to maintain shelf life and ensure they provide reliable results [12]. Prehospital measurement of plasma glucose is now considered standard practice in EMS.