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Fire Service and pumps.

J

Jack2311

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Hi, this is my first post here although I have been diagnosed with T1 diabetes for quite a few years now. I am currently on multiple injections but my HbA1C has gradually increased ( mainly due to DP and insulin resistance ) to 70.
My nurse suggested a pump which has been approved. I should be getting one ( not sure what one ) in a few months time.
My concern is that I am a whole time firefighter and wondered if there are any fire service personnel here who use a pump ? If so, is there a certain make that is ok in a fire situation ? What are the negatives ? What should I do ? Lastly, what pump would you recommend ( I need one that can cope with fairly high doses due to insulin resistance ).
Many thanks in advance.
Jack :-)
 
Hi Jack,
Not sure about fire service but we have a paramedic on a pump as a member.
As for type you’ll need to talk to your team because not all pumps are supported across the different CCGs.
 
Thanks for reply Diakat. I am unsure what pumps will be on offer as yet. I asked for a rough estimate on wait time and was told Spring.
If anyone has any experience of pumps and extreme heat etc I would be grateful to hear from you.
Thanks again :-)
 
Jack2311 said:
Thanks for reply Diakat. I am unsure what pumps will be on offer as yet. I asked for a rough estimate on wait time and was told Spring.
If anyone has any experience of pumps and extreme heat etc I would be grateful to hear from you.
Thanks again :-)
Click to expand...

Hello, that’s a tricky one because insulin won’t survive in extreme heat and it could potentially damage your pump. I guess you’ll have to ask your team where they stand on you using a pump with a dangerous temperature for insulin and pump.
 
I have the Medtronic 670G and from reading the guide, I should avoid exposing my pump in extreme temperatures below 5° and above 40°. So that’s something for you to think about.
 
Jack2311 said:
Thanks for reply Diakat. I am unsure what pumps will be on offer as yet. I asked for a rough estimate on wait time and was told Spring.
Click to expand...
You might want to find out what they offer sooner rather than later, I've just been trying to get a pump and found out that my hospital offer one pump (ie. no choice) and if you want a different one you need a very good reason and it'll take a lot longer as they need to put in an Individual Funding Request (that's the bit that will take the time - 5-6 months apparently)
 
Jack2311 said:
Thanks for reply Diakat. I am unsure what pumps will be on offer as yet. I asked for a rough estimate on wait time and was told Spring.
If anyone has any experience of pumps and extreme heat etc I would be grateful to hear from you.
Thanks again :)
Click to expand...
 
Hi Jack, you can get grip bags to go over pump and keep it cool. I would suggest that would be essential. My concern would be the cannula and tubing melting
Jack2311 said:
Hi, this is my first post here although I have been diagnosed with T1 diabetes for quite a few years now. I am currently on multiple injections but my HbA1C has gradually increased ( mainly due to DP and insulin resistance ) to 70.
My nurse suggested a pump which has been approved. I should be getting one ( not sure what one ) in a few months time.
My concern is that I am a whole time firefighter and wondered if there are any fire service personnel here who use a pump ? If so, is there a certain make that is ok in a fire situation ? What are the negatives ? What should I do ? Lastly, what pump would you recommend ( I need one that can cope with fairly high doses due to insulin resistance ).
Many thanks in advance.
Jack :)
Click to expand...
 
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