The study of thermal closures for the prevention of hypothermia (experimental study)

Prevention of hypothermia in the wounded and injured remains an urgent problem in providing assistance to the wounded and injured with polytrauma. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of using a thermal cover designed to prevent hypothermia of the victim in an experiment with the participation of volunteers. Materials and methods . The study was carried out with the participation of volunteers who were exposed to cold temperatures with and without the use of a thermal blanket. The subjects were lying motionless on a stretcher in a thermal chamber for 60 minutes at an ambient temperature of 00C, the air humidity was 50%. Temperature sensors were located on the skin, on the upper layer of clothing and on the surface of the thermal cover. Results . The use of thermal seals at negative ambient temperatures contributes to a slower cooling of the body due to the reflection of heat from the inner surface of the product. The subjective feelings of the volunteers showed statistically significant differences in heat perception when using thermal covers. In the experimental group, the volunteers did not note that they were «cold» at any stage, in the control group, after 45 minutes of observation, in 4 cases they were given 1 point («cold»), and one of the volunteers wished to stop the study. At the same time, thermal blankets contribute to a slower cooling of the body. In the group using a thermal blanket, the core temperature (the sensor is installed in the oral cavity) was on average 4,2 °C higher compared to the group of volunteers without a thermal blanket. Thus, thermal blankets can help prevent hypothermia in victims during evacuation by emergency medical teams. Conclusion : the presented samples of thermal coating products are effective means of preventing hypothermia in low ambient temperatures.