Date of Award

6-2022

Document Type

Union College Only

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science

Department

Bioengineering

First Advisor

Shane Cotter

Second Advisor

Amy Loya

Third Advisor

Jennifer Currey

Keywords

pediatric, emergency, hypoxia, EMT, FSR, measurement, ambulance, transport, dosing, weight

Abstract

Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) administer supplemental oxygen to patients experiencing respiratory distress en route to the hospital. Proper oxygen dosage is calculated using a patient’s weight, and is often roughly estimated by an EMT. If available, Broselow tape is used to make a weight estimation based on a patient's height, but only 63.6% of estimates fall within an acceptable range [7]. The variability of these estimations leads to inaccurate oxygen administration. Patients ages 0-2 years have rapidly developing respiratory systems and are therefore particularly susceptible to lung damage as a direct result of improper oxygen dosage. Currently, there is a need for a device which can accurately measure the weight of patients 0-2 years old, in order for EMTs to administer the correct dosage of supplemental oxygen. The device would also have to be reasonably comfortable for the patient and compact due to limited storage space available on ambulances.

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Rights Statement

In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted.