How to Use a Warming Blanket to Reduce Cold Stress

Cold stress is a condition that occurs when body temperature drops below normal for a prolonged period of time. This can happen quickly or over the course of several hours. Factors that affect body temperature and can lead to cold stress are current temperatures, wind chill factors, water and dampness. Cold stress is another name for hypothermia, frost bite or trench foot. One of the fastest and most effective ways to treat someone with cold stress is with the use of a warming blanket. Hospitals are equipped with blanket warmers so a warming blanket is immediately available, but in an emergency you must use your own. While there are specialized warming blankets on the market that have pockets sewn into them for hot packs to be inserted, you can use a simple fleece or wool blanket as a warming blanket.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Blanket (preferrably fleece or wool)
• Hot packs or hot water bottle

1. Move the patient to a warm area. If you are outside and cannot get the victim to a warmer spot, place warm articles of clothing between the wet clothing and the patient's skin. Begin removing all wet and damp clothing one article at a time. Do not allow patient's skin to be exposed to the cold air, however.

2. Begin removing all wet and damp clothing one article at a time, if the patient has been moved to a warmer location. Do not allow patient's skin to be exposed to the cold air.

3. Immediately lay a warm blanket over the patient. While the patient has a blanket over them, be warming another blanket in a dryer. Do not leave in the dryer for more than 10 minutes as it can become too warm for the patient's skin which is extremely sensitive at this time. Cover the entire body with the warming blanket, leaving a small opening near the mouth and nose for breathing.

4. Place warm hot packs, or hot water bottles wrapped in hand towels, under the warming blanket with the patient. Place one near the head, neck, chest area and the groin area, as these are key body points for heat loss.

5. Carefully monitor the patient's progress, and call a health provider or emergency room immediately to have them help you assess the patient's condition. If the patient is having trouble talking or making sense, call an ambulance to transport them to a local hospital. Do not take the patient back into a cold environment.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are outdoors and do not have access to a warming blanket, use dry clothing to place between the patient's skin and the clothes they have on. You can warm the clothing with your own body heat. Blankets can be warmed on car heaters for use as a warming blanket if stuck on the road. Always keep a blanket in your car for emergencies.
• If a patient appears to have frost bite from cold stress, do not rub the skin. Wrap it in a warm blanket and take them to the doctor for proper diagnosis.

Resources

• CDC info on cold stress
• Types of cold stress and treatments

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