Use of the low air loss bed system in treatment of burns patients. 1979

C J Leeder

When a person is confined to bed, whatever the reason, small areas of soft tissues are compressed between the skeleton and the supporting surfaces. Transient circulatory disturbances resulting in epidermis to dermis damage or finally deep penetrating necrosis involving subcutaneous tissues, fascia muscle and bone may result. In the case of the severely burned patient who has already sustained gross trauma, any further destruction of tissues is to be avoided at all costs. The Low Air Loss Bed System offers many advantages in the care and management of the burns patient. There is a definite saving of nursing time by rendering unnecessary constant attention to the patient for preventative skin care, positioning, bed pan etc. The nurse is then able to devote her time positively to the more involved needs of the patient and family. It will also provide for periods of rest that are so often lacking, especially in the initial stages of treatment. The patient does not have to be kept on a rigid regime of Q2H turning. He is turned only for wound care, physio- and general body cleansing. His position may be contoured without having to touch him circumferentially. Any lifting and positioning necessary is easier for staff members due to the design of the unit, and more comfortable for the patient. Over a period of two years, eighteen patients with varying extent and degree of burn injuries were treated on the bed. This paper will describe the mechanical operation of the bed and experiences with nursing management and monitoring of the system.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D011312 Pressure A type of stress exerted uniformly in all directions. Its measure is the force exerted per unit area. (McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Scientific and Technical Terms, 6th ed) Pressures
D002056 Burns Injuries to tissues caused by contact with heat, steam, chemicals (BURNS, CHEMICAL), electricity (BURNS, ELECTRIC), or the like. Burn
D006801 Humans Members of the species Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000388 Air The mixture of gases present in the earth's atmosphere consisting of oxygen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and small amounts of other gases.
D001513 Beds Equipment on which one may lie and sleep, especially as used to care for the hospital patient. Mattresses,Bed

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