Emesis bowls are small plastic basins used to collect vomit in medical settings, but their small size and shape can make them impractical. They are cheap and often not recycled, but can be used for other medical purposes or repurposed for other uses.
Emesis means getting sick to the stomach and/or vomiting, and there are many more colorful terms to describe this activity. In domestic settings, if people are lucky and reach the bathroom, they typically vomit into the toilet or possibly the sink. When you’re unlucky, a towel, trash can, or even the floor will do, as many people, especially young children, regularly demonstrate. In a medical setting, one way to prevent such incidents to some degree is to provide a person who feels nauseous with an emesis bowl, a small bowl, often called a “kidney-shaped” because of its contours, which can collect vomit if necessary.
In settings where medical care is provided, the vomiting basin can be relatively small in size and is made of plastic. They are usually not recycled and are instead discarded or sent home with patients if not used. The small size doesn’t really make much sense, and the curve of the bowl might make it more difficult to accurately vomit without covering yourself or your surroundings. The typical basin holds about seven to nine ounces (21 to 27 liters), which may not be adequate if a large volume of vomit occurs at one time. There are some larger stainless steel bowls that have a larger capacity and can be sterilized and recycled as needed.
Given the impracticality of the vomiting basin for certain vomiting needs, it’s no wonder they are sometimes not used and patients can be handed over to something larger, or assisted into a toilet or sink if they feel nauseous. Especially in hospitals or ambulances, vomiting can be significant of some forms of illness and may need to be restrained and analyzed by healthcare professionals. Other medical supplies may be easier for vomit collection while preventing the mess.
Nonetheless, the emesis bowl is useless and, in fact, these bowls are frequently used for other medical things. They are useful if people need to expectorate frequently, such as from a severe cough. Another way they get used is when cleaning and irrigation of small wounds. Alternatively, if people are rinsing the wax out of their ears, a basin can be held close to the ear to catch the wax and liquid as it leaves the ear canal. Sometimes doctors or nurses also do regular shots like vaccinations in a vomit basin.
One of the reasons small plastic emesis basins are used so often is because they are so cheap. In bulk sales, a single basin costs about 20 US cents (USD) or less. People are often offered these to take home after being in hospital, and providing they haven’t been used for their intended purpose, many people are happy to take one home. If people can get past the name, these bowls are good for growing seedlings, as bath toys, holding cosmetics, or for a variety of other purposes.
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