Hypothermia is an emergency. The longer it is left untreated, the more severe the complications become. This is why emergency care for hypothermia is so important.
Back in January 2023, ambulances were called out to 800 people suffering from hypothermia in Scotland due to the freezing weather.
With continuous delays in Accident & Emergency departments across the country. For some patients, especially those who have experienced trauma, there is an increased risk of hypothermia developing in the waiting room.
We explore the role of hypothermia prevention technology in maintaining normothermia in emergencies like these.
How do A&E delays impact the development of hypothermia?
Hypothermia develops in four stages, each more severe than the last. This condition is time-sensitive and requires medical intervention as soon as possible to prevent further complications. Unfortunately, waiting times in A&E departments remain high. In 2023/24, only 72% of patients were seen within four hours, compared to the target of 95%.
In April 2024, 10% of people attending A&E waited more than 12 hours in total. Wait times of this length are incompatible with the development and progression of hypothermia.
Once a patient develops hypothermia and begins showing symptoms, time is of the essence. Treatment and interventions are required as soon as possible, as hypothermia can become severe quickly.
Unfortunately, the UK has seen a rise in hypothermia cases due to extremely cold weather in the winter. In December 2022, there was an 82% increase in hypothermia cases when compared with December 2021. The combination of more cases, and longer waiting times, could lead to poorer patient outcomes and an increased likelihood of serious complications.
Hypothermia in trauma patients
Hypothermia is sometimes overlooked in emergencies and trauma situations. However, in severely injured patients, hypothermia is common with a rate of up to 50% in various geographic areas. In addition, trauma patients who develop hypothermia have substantial increases in mortality and morbidity. A mixture of the environment, adrenaline, and injuries may mask the initial symptoms of hypothermia.
Without intervention at the scene of an incident, hypothermia symptoms could develop as a patient waits for further treatment or admittance. This is why intervention at the point of reaching A&E could be crucial, and may significantly improve patient outcomes.
When can Emergency Blankets be used?
Ideally, THERMARMOUR Emergency products are applied as soon as possible, before any symptoms of hypothermia begin. Preventing hypothermia is a simpler task than treating it, and provides the patient with better outcomes. As our Emergency blanket is a standalone product and can be used anywhere, there are various scenarios where a first responder may apply the blanket to a patient.
As a preventative measure, a patient can be easily provided with an Emergency blanket as they await triage, admittance, or further assistance. This reduces the risk of hypothermia developing, potentially saving bed space, hospital resources, and improves the patient’s experience.
The role of THERMARMOUR in Accident & Emergency
In an A&E department, there are a variety of factors that go into waiting times. Staff availability, resources, and funding issues may contribute to delays. Let’s look at how our Emergency blanket can play a critical role in reducing the risk of
hypothermia in this circumstance.
Our passive warming technology is designed to reduce heat loss, and to maintain patient normothermia. The unique fabric captures the body heat of the patient, and recirculates it, unlike traditional foil blanket alternatives.
THERMARMOUR can be applied to patients as they arrive at the A&E department. A patient who has experienced trauma, injury, or shock, are more likely to develop hypothermia as a result.
One study found several predictors for hypothermia in injured patients. Some of these predictors included the severity of the injury, and the winter season. With this knowledge, we can quickly identify those who would require an Emergency blanket as a priority.
As the blanket is a standalone product, it can be provided as soon as the risk factor for hypothermia is identified. For example, in the winter season, more blankets would need to be provided due to the extreme weather. A significant benefit to using our passive warming blanket in A&E is that they are effective from the moment they are applied.
In addition, they are easy to open and wrap around a patient comfortably. This blanket can be used by anyone, and does not require the assistance of medical personnel. In busy waiting periods, with a lack of available staff, this is extremely beneficial.
Not only is this a method for reducing heat loss, but it also provides a sense of comfort to the patient in an anxiety-inducing situation. If they sustained an injury outdoors, they may be feeling the effects, and appreciate the warm layer as they wait.
Benefits of THERMARMOUR Emergency Blankets
THERMARMOUR allows you to provide emergency care for hypothermia wherever you are. Developed for emergency personnel, first responders, and search and rescue teams, the Emergency blanket is the complete package. Simple to use, easy to transport, and effective as soon as it is applied.
Benefits & features:
- No additional heat source is required
- Easy to open and simple to use
- Can be cut to size as needed
- X-ray compatible
- Standalone, patient-specific
- Compressed packaging
- Large size to wrap around patients
- Latex-free material
Shop Emergency
If you are interested in our Emergency blankets for your department, you can purchase THERMARMOUR products online, or contact our team for larger orders.
Categories: Emergency, Product Spotlight
Tags: a&e, a&e waiting times, accident and emergency, hypothermia, hypothermia prevention
