Beyond keeping beverages in cafeterias cold, ice comes in handy in other parts of a hospital. The cold temperatures and portability make the frozen cubes valuable in patient care. To understand why your health services center needs an ice machine, here are a few common ways ice is used. 

3 Ways Ice Is Used in Hospitals

1. Treat Heat Stroke

Exposure to extremely hot conditions or overexertion during exercise can make core body temperature rise to dangerous levels. Heat stroke can occur when a person’s internal temperature is greater than 104-degree F. Symptoms of heat stroke include rapid breathing, nausea, vomiting, confusion, and seizures. If core temperature isn’t lowered quickly, multi-organ failure can occur. Ice water submersion and ice packs are often used to bring core temperature back down to the normal 98-degree range. With an ice machine on-site, medical professionals can quickly begin the cooling process. 

2. Reduce Swelling After Injuries

A bump that forms following an accident can be accompanied by sharp pain and inflammation in the injured area. Applying ice helps reduce puffiness since the cold temperature narrows blood vessels. In many cases, ice must be applied periodically to keep the swelling down. Having an ice maker on hand means there’s no need to wait for packs to refreeze. Using ice instead of cold packs is often preferred when treating eye swelling as well because there’s no fear of the bag leaking chemicals and causing burns or vision problems. 

3. Induce Therapeutic Hypothermia

If a patient experiences organ failure, they might go into cardiac arrest. The brain doesn’t receive oxygen during cardiac arrest, which could result in long-term neurological problems. Additionally, sudden blood flow to the brain after cardiac arrest can cause inflammation, which can damage the tissue. Therapeutic hypothermia might be induced to slow metabolism and decrease the severity of brain damage.

If your hospital doesn’t have an ice maker or needs new equipment, contact Pacific Ice Services in Honolulu, HI. The locally owned company sells, installs, services, and repairs commercial ice machines so equipment will always be ready to use for critical care. They’ll also share tips to improve equipment performance. To inquire about products, call (808) 839-6839. Visit the ice company online to learn more about their manufacturer certifications and on Facebook for more equipment advice.