Rescue blankets as multifunctional rescue equipment in alpine and wilderness emergencies: a commentary

Scandinavian Journal of Trauma, Resuscitation and Emergency Medicine

Wolfgang Lederer¹  Bernd Wallner¹  Hannah Salchner¹  Franz J. Wiedermann¹  Thomas Schachner²  Markus Isser³ 

[1] Department of Anaesthesiology and General Intensive Care Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck;Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical University of Innsbruck;Medical Division, Austrian Mountain Rescue Service - Tyrol;

关键词: Rescue blanket;    Hypothermia;    Emergency medicine;    Wilderness medicine;    Bandages;    Pelvic binder;   

DOI  :  10.1186/s13049-022-01005-5

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Abstract Emergency applications of rescue blankets go far beyond protection from hypothermia. In this review alternative applicabilities of these remarkable multifunctional tools were highlighted. Newly fabricated rescue blankets prove impressive robustness. The high tensile strength along with its low weight enable further applications, e.g. immobilization of injured extremities, splinting, wound dressing, a makeshift chest seal in sucking chest wounds, amongst others. Furthermore, the foil can be used as a vapour barrier, as eye protection and it can even be used to construct a stopgap bivouac sack, as alternative tool for transportation in the remote area and a wind shield or a water reservoir in the wilderness. During search-and-rescue missions the light reflection from the gold surface enhances visibility and increases the chance to be found. Rescue blankets are essential parts of first aid kits and backpacks in alpine and wilderness environment with multifunctional applicabilities. In this commentary to a review we want to evaluate the numerous applicabilities of rescue blankets in the treatment of emergencies by wilderness medicine and pre-hospital EMS.

【 授权许可】

Unknown