Should Esophageal Temperature Probes Be Used within UK Search and Rescue Helicopter Services?

Due to the environment in which they operate, UK search and rescue helicopters (SARH) may encounter patients presenting with accidental hypothermia or hypothermic cardiac arrest. For these patients, accurate core temperature measurement allows thorough assessment of hypothermia severity and determines the recommended clinical interventions and conveyance decisions. Ongoing monitoring of core temperature also provides feedback to clinicians on the effectiveness of rewarming interventions. Currently, SARH paramedics use peripheral thermometers, which some evidence suggests may not be appropriate for assessing hypothermic patients in this environment. The implementation of esophageal temperature probes (ETPs) may allow clinicians to meet the needs of a wider range of patient presentations. This article aims to discuss the demand, practicality, and training required to implement ETPs into SARH paramedic practice and highlights an opportunity for further research.