Emergency Rescue Blanket
Use an emergency rescue blanket to retain warmth and prevent shock.
An emergency rescue blanket is a lightweight, reflective sheet used in first aid to retain body heat and reduce the risk of shock or hypothermia. Also known as a thermal blanket, space blanket, or mylar blanket, it is made from thin, reflective material that reflects a high percentage of body heat back toward the casualty.
These blankets are particularly useful in outdoor emergencies, trauma incidents, or situations where a casualty may lose body heat rapidly, such as after shock, blood loss, or exposure to cold or wet conditions. Emergency rescue blankets are waterproof, windproof, and compact, making them a standard item in most first aid kits.
In first aid, the blanket is typically used to wrap the casualty completely, leaving the face exposed, to trap warmth and protect from wind and moisture. They are an important part of shock management, as maintaining body temperature helps preserve blood flow to vital organs.
While emergency rescue blankets are highly effective at retaining heat, they are not heat sources themselves and should be used alongside other first aid measures such as controlling bleeding, calling 000, and monitoring the casualty until professional help arrives.
Unfold the emergency rescue blanket fully.
Wrap it around the casualty, covering as much of the body as possible.
Tuck edges to keep warmth in, especially around the shoulders and feet.
Use in combination with other first aid measures to treat shock.
Avoid placing it near flames or high heat sources.
An emergency rescue blanket, often called a thermal or space blanket, is a lightweight sheet that helps retain body heat and prevent shock in casualties.