Tepid Sponging and method of Tepid Sponging
Sponging is the process in which the patient’s body is cleaned with soap and wet cloth while the patient remains in bed. Ordinary sponging is never required by the first aider but tepid sponging may be required. It is done as to reduce the body temperature in cases of high fever.
The method of Tepid Sponging is as follows:
- Check the body temperature.
- Sock sponges with water, squeeze them and place two of them in the patient’s axillae, two in the groins, and one on the abdomen. Place an ice-bag on the head. Change the sponges periodically.
- Wipe the patient‘s body with sponges soaked in the water. Do not dry the body entirely.
- Complete the procedure in 18-20 minutes.
- Check the body temperature ½ hour later.
