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.

Blankets May Help Improve Outcomes

After securing the patient and managing any life-threatening injuries, you must take the steps necessary to keep your patients from succumbing to the trauma triad of death, hypothermia, acidosis and coagulopathy, which has a mortality rate of nearly 50 percent. The treatment protocol for each leg of this triple treat, requires you to prevent further heat loss and provide support of the patient’s core body temperature. Medical blankets provide comfort and warmthwhen your patients need it most. During the critical parameter of time, from transport to hospital, medical blankets can prevent further temperature drop and rewarm the patient.

Medical Blankets: Materials and Uses

For EMS personnel, the degree of success to which they can stabilize their patients and prevent certain medical conditions may depend on their choice of medical blankets. Comprised of different materials, these simple tools help you prioritize your patients and provide immediate warmth, comfort and protection. The Graham Medical portfolio of medical blankets includes:

1. Comfort1® Blankets: The Graham Comfort1® Blankets come in either a fleece or polyester material. The gray polyester Quality and white Elite blankets consist of a soft polyester mix that is soft and warm. The highly durable blue Polar Fleece material is extra thick and offers extra comfort and warmth, especially in cold weather climates. All Comfort1® Blankets can be pre-warmed in a blanket warmer up to 150º F
2. Visiblanket: The highly visible yellow color of the Visiblanket ensures that trauma patients receive priority attention and provides a level of warmth with its poly/Airlaid or poly/tissue construction of one or two layers. The polyester shell provides protection against fluid and wind while the Airlaid or tissue lining offers a softer feel and traps body heat.
3. Hypothermia Blanket: Some situations require you to provide trauma patients a significant level of warmth and protection against the environment and hypothermia. Mylar blankets, which consist of heat-reflective thin plastic sheeting, reflects the patient’s body heat and keeps the person as warm. The space age material also provides shade and serves to reflect the sun's heat on a hot day. The ultra-lightweight of the foil-like material also make storage and transport easy.

Drying the patient and wrapping them in a warm and comfortable blanket can avoid hypothermia and other conditions. Use EMS blankets effectively to provide the best possible prehospital treatment for your patients. These generously- sized blankets come individually packaged, are affordable and sold by the case.

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