DESIGN AND EVALUATION OF A PORTABLE RIGID FORCED-AIR WARMING COVER FOR PREHOSPITAL TRANSPORT OF COLD PATIENTS

Forced-air warming is promising for use during transport of cold patie nts. However, the current soft covers may be easily damaged in the non hospital environment. Two rigid covers were designed to direct heat to the torso and thighs. Five subjects (one female) were heated with an AC powered heater (Bair Hugger 505, Augustine) and either a soft cover or the rigid covers (with heat input at the head or abdomen). Compare d to the soft cover, the rigid cover (with heat input at the abdomen) provided similar heat delivery but a higher mean skin temperature. We conclude that the portable rigid covers are efficient for treatment of cold victims during pre-hospital transport.