What Is a Thermal Blanket & How Does It Work?

A thermal blanket is used to keep its subject warm in cold conditions. In the event of an accident, it can also be used to prevent shock in the victim. How it works is through the blanket’s heat-reflective metallic surface which retains over 90% of the heat directed at it. This creates a ‘pocket’ of hot air that is then reflected back to the source. To prevent hypothermia, for example, you would wrap the thermal blanket around your torso to trap in the heat before your core temperature drops – you can think of it like a giant thermal flask in this sense. You can even use a thermal blanket to reflect sun in hot conditions, keeping you cooler.

When it is folded up, a thermal blanket is compact and light, which means it fits into all first aid kits – and first aid rooms – with ease. This makes it a first aid essential. Most pre-made first aid kits will include these in but you can also purchase them in a single pack or as a reusable piece to add to your first aid supplies.

How to Use a Thermal Blanket

To use a thermal blanket, you should wrap the blanket around the subject, but ensure that the sides are tucked in under the feet to keep the heat in and cold out.

You might have seen thermal blankets wrapped around runners at the end of a marathon. This is done because it helps to regulate their body temperature which will drop fast after a long race.

Although heat retention and shock prevention are its main uses, a thermal blanket can be used in a wide-range of scenarios. For example, you can use a thermal blanket as a:

• Ground Tarp
• Sleeping Bag Insulator
• Shelter
• Table Cloth and Food Cover
• Window Cover
• Plant Protector
• Knapsack
• Rain Water Collector

…and much more. See some of these in action with this video from Alaska Granny on YouTube.

At morSafe, we stock all of the supplies that you need to maintain good health and safety in your car, home and workplace, with free next day delivery available.

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Written by Lumen, for morSafe Supplies.