The Basics 

Like most EMT and paramedic professionals you probably have a good grasp of how hypothermia in the field can adversely affect the outcome of the patient in traumatic shock; but often the imperative to provide fluid resuscitation, hemostasis, and CPR becomes your more overriding concern.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can be a serious issue for many first responders. This Washington, DC newscast references a University of Pheonix commissioned survey which reports that 80% of firefighters experienced exposure to a traumatic event, and the numbers for police and EMTs is even higher with over 90% reporting exposure to trauma. This extensive trauma exposure has consequences, with 33% of first responders surveyed reporting that they had been formally diagnosed with a mental health disorder, such as PTSD. Florida has recently passed legislation to help deal with this issue.

In an ideal world, all patients would be transferred to critical care facilities after being safely stabilized by EMTs at the scene. Unfortunately, we don't live in an ideal world. Many times EMT providers are forced to transport unstable patients under less than ideal conditions.

Open wounds can be a common cause of cardinal conditions such as compromised airways, uncontrolled bleeding, changed mental status, and providing cause for suspected abuse.

As EMS providers, there are two clear categories of importance for patient transportation: protecting the patient and protecting EMS personnel. Administrators carry the responsibility of implementing safe practices to manage this transportation effectively by using knowledge of injury management to conduct training, and providing the tools and equipment needed to carry out these procedures.

As an emergency care provider, you will occasionally find patients who refuse transport.  A Utah study showed that 5.1% of patients refused transportation against direct medical advice of EMS. A common reason to refuse transport is concerns about cost. Many patients also may feel that their injury is not severe enough to warrant an ambulance ride.

The majority of patient transport is conducted via ground transport, typically in an ambulance. This patient transport is conducted with either basic paramedic protocols or with more advanced life support protocols and medical staff, such as those used in interfacility transport and specialty care.

Mylar hypothermia blankets are a product of the space race when scientists needed a lightweight material to reflect the sun's heat. The resulting product is comprised of a thin plastic sheet coated with a shiny, reflective aluminum metallic film. Thanks to its high gloss and impervious nature, this material is strong, has excellent reflective properties as well as being wind- and waterproof. Because it was initially produced for NASA, Mylar blankets are colloquially known as space blankets.

The “trauma triad of death” is well known to EMS professionals. Sometimes referred to as “the lethal triad”, it consists of hypothermia, coagulopathy and acidosis occurring in victims who have experienced multiple trauma.

As EMS service providers, you have the training and experience required to provide quick and effective care to trauma patients. Often, a combination of kind words, a non-threatening environment and a warm blanket creates a sense of well-being, which can make a real difference in a patient’s perception of their situation. EMS blankets, play an important role in improving patient outcomes. Medical blankets, which may rank among the least appreciated items in the EMS tool chest, not only provide warmth, but also protect patients and emergency responders against injury. Designed for different uses, and available in a variety of materials, EMS blankets play an important role in improved patient care outcomes.