Leg Compresses

help to reduce high fever (>38.5 C)cool down in case of heat stroke

overheating

pain in legs after long standingproblems to sleep

for children > 6 months

with water at room temperature

(no ice!)

when hands and feet are warm

Not:when fever is rising,

at beginning of a cold

when patient shakes and feels very cold

with urinary tract infection (pain when pees)

when patient is very restless

when has problems with blood circulation in the legs

How to do:

Lay out a plastic sheet or big plastic bag

2 towels

2 cloth diapers

socks

a not too thick blanket

the compress should sit tight, but comfortable

it is done from ancle to knee

It is taken off when it feels warm or

It can sit 10-30 min before it is renewed

How to do the compress:

dip a cloth diaper in water and wring it out

wrap it around the leg

wrap the second dry one

next come 1 or 2 towels

cover the person with a blanket

leave the legs free

put socks, if he/she likes it

remember:

cool down slowly, not more than 1 degree Celsius

this can take 2 hours!

If the temperature goes down to fast it is stressful or even for the patient

The patient should not shiver and feel cold!

Cold hand and feet can be a sign that the circulation and blood pressure

is low!

Never make leg compressses when they are cold!

Don't cover with a plastic! The water has to go off to be bale to cool