Rescue Blankets | Vital Body Protection in Emergencies
Whether it’s a traffic accident, medical emergency, or sudden hypothermia outdoors, every second counts. A rescue blanket, also called an emergency blanket, is an essential part of any first aid kit. It effectively protects against hypothermia or overheating, reflects body heat, and can even save lives in critical situations.
Who should use rescue blankets?
Rescue blankets are universally applicable and should be available wherever emergencies or extreme conditions may occur:
• Industrial operations & workshops
• Construction companies & assembly firms
• Hospitals, care homes & nursing facilities
• Fire departments, police, paramedics
• Schools, kindergartens, training centers
• Private vehicles, camping, outdoor activities
They are also a standard part of first aid kits, emergency backpacks, and disaster response systems.
What are rescue blankets used for?
Protection against cold (hypothermia):
Injured or unconscious people can lose body heat rapidly. The blanket reflects up to 90% of body heat which is critical outdoors or in unheated rooms.
Protection from heat/sun:
When the gold side faces outward, the blanket protects from overheating and is useful for patients in direct sunlight or during heatstroke.
Emergency signaling/marking:
Its reflective surface is visible from afar or above and is ideal for locating individuals in mountains, forests, or search-and-rescue missions.
Covering injured or deceased individuals:
Helps preserve privacy or shield from view in sensitive situations.
Comparison: Rescue Blanket vs. Regular Blanket
| Feature |
Rescue Blanket |
Regular Blanket |
| Heat insulation |
Extremely high (90%) |
Low to moderate |
| Weight & volume |
Very low |
High |
| Weather resistance |
Fully wind & waterproof |
Material-dependent |
| Visibility/signaling |
High |
Low to none |
| Disposable or reusable |
Usually disposable |
Reusable |
How to use a rescue blanket properly
For cold (heat retention):
• Silver side toward the body, gold side outward
• Wrap the patient completely without gaps
• Avoid direct skin contact in extreme cold (condensation risk)
For heat (sun protection):
• Gold side toward the body, silver side outward
• Use as shade or sun shield over the patient
Important: The blanket does not generate heat – it only slows down heat loss.
Safety tips for use
• Do not use in MRI machines, Metal coating is not MRI-safe
• Keep away from electrical devices. Risk of fire
• Do not use openly in lightning storms, may attract electrical charges
• Dispose of after use. Most are single-use products
What to look for when buying
Standards & Certification:
Look for DIN EN 1865 or equivalent standards, CE marking, and Swiss safety approvals.
Size:
Standard is 160 x 210 cm, suitable for most individuals.
Material strength & durability:
High-quality blankets are laminated or reinforced for better protection.
Packaging:
Individually wrapped (sterile or non-sterile) or in bulk for group use.
Rescue blankets in the workplace | mandatory or recommended?
In many industries, rescue blankets are mandatory, e.g.:
• In first aid kits at workplaces
• In vehicle first aid kits (per VTS/ASA in Switzerland)
• On construction sites and in service vehicles
• In care facilities and medical institutions
Privately, they are a smart addition to home pharmacies, emergency supplies, or travel gear.
FAQ | Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a rescue blanket last?
Unopened: several years. Always check the expiry date.
Can I reuse a rescue blanket?
They’re designed for single use. Replace after contamination or damage.
Is a rescue blanket required in every first aid kit?
Yes, according to regulations like VTS in Switzerland, it’s mandatory in vehicle kits.
What size should a rescue blanket be?
Standard: 160 x 210 cm which fits both children and adults.
Are there metal-free rescue blankets?
Yes, for special uses (e.g. MRI-compatible), but not standard.
Buy Rescue Blankets Online
At the Swiss online shop of Heros Hygiene, you’ll find high-quality rescue blankets for professional and private use:
✅ Individually packed emergency blankets according to EN standards
✅ Compact & space-saving – ideal for emergency kits
✅ Suitable for individuals or bulk buyers
✅ Fast delivery from Swiss warehouse
✅ Advice for businesses, schools, hospitals & institutions
Benefit from proven quality, fair prices, and our long-standing expertise in emergency supplies.
