Space blankets are widely used as hypothermia prevention in urban catastrophic events such as the terrorist attacks in Paris recently. Do anyone know about research on the effect of this device or do anyone have experience with space blankets (effect or feasibility)?
Dear Øyvind
Many years ago one of these "space blankets" Ascotherm IMO 86" was tested at a SINTEF seminar at Svalbard and it was compared to a Non Metalized survival bag from Ajungilak . The Ajungilak bag provided the best thermal protection compared to the metalized bag. The paper is is published in a conference book : "Working and Survival in the Cold 1990". I am not sure if this is the same product that were used in Paris, but it is a metalized reflective bag that is still on the market.
I just did a quick search to see if there were any new papers on this and got only one hit:
http://www.ruor.uottawa.ca/bitstream/10393/31727/3/Landry_Mantha_Olivier_2014_thesis.pdf
And this review article in general on space blankets:
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0965230297900011
Dear Van Poucke, Færevik and Wang. Your replies were of great interest. I'm shocked when I see pictures from urban major events where patients are sitting in windy and cold environment wrapped in space blankets blowing in the wind. I think it is time to do a clinical study in an prehospital environment. Thank you for the references. It will help us to start a protocol.
I would really like to see some solid research on space blankets and their effectiveness in the prehospital setting. One report by the US ARMY Institute of Surgical Research stated space blankets only provided a 30% reduction in heat loss.
Dear David. I would appreciate if yoy could send a me some information where I can read more about the study from the US army.
I worked in Antarctica with the Australian Antarctic Division on ANARE (Australian National Antarctic Research and Expeditions) some years ago. Before you think 'Why would Australians know anything about cold?' perhaps remember that we manage 51% of Antarctica under the International Treaty and have maintained continuously occupied bases in Antarctica longer than any other nation. I refer you to the AAD: http://www.antarctica.gov.au/ and to: http://www.antarctica.gov.au/about-us/publications/australian-antarctic-magazine/2001-2005/issue-1-autumn-2001/operations/reducing-energy-use
Dear Mr. Rickards. Thank you for the reply and links to interesting reading about ANARE.
- Badges
- Science topic
- Similar topics
- Biological Science
- Zoology
- Ornithology