Everybody in the pool!

Our practice uses pool noodles as positioning aides. Taping two soft foam noodles parallel from one another at various distances apart (4-8 inches) allows for a cozy and comfortable way to keep your patients in dorsal recumbency. Soft warming devices (such as Hot Dog Patient Warming System) can be placed over the pool noodles and the patient is enveloped in a warm little cocoon. 

For smaller patients, the noodles can be shortened (and also cut in half lengthwise) and for larger patients that still want to tip from side to side, another smaller noodle can be wedged under the point of their shoulder. Much more comfortable than metal V-Trays-and inexpensive to make!

This tip was brought to you by Amanda Ayers, RVT, from Frey Pet Hospital, Cedar Rapids, Iowa.