Thermal blanket
A thin, foil emergency blanket that reflects body heat back to you. Fits in a pocket.
- Size
- about 210 × 160 cm
- Material
- Metallised PET film (Mylar-type), gold/silver
- Weight
- about 60 g
- Folded size
- Smaller than a phone
- Shelf life
- Many years when folded and kept in its packet. Once opened and crumpled, it may tear more easily.
israeltourism from Israel, CC BY 2.0 · Photo credits
Losing body heat is dangerous even in mild weather, especially if you are wet, injured or in shock. This foil blanket weighs almost nothing and helps the body hold on to its own warmth.
The thin film reflects most of the heat your body gives off. It also blocks wind and rain. Wrapped around a person, it slows down cooling.
It is a first-aid basic. Ambulance crews and mountain rescuers use it for injured people, people in shock and anyone who has been out in the cold.
Why it’s in the kit
In a cold shelter, during a winter power cut or while waiting for help outside, staying warm matters. A blanket packed this small is easy to carry and easy to forget, until you need it.
Storage & maintenance
Keep it folded in its packet in the kit. Once used, it may crinkle and tear more easily. Replace it after use. If it is undamaged, you can fold it loosely and keep it as a spare.
How to use it
Unfold carefully
Open the packet and unfold the blanket slowly. It is thin and can tear on sharp edges.
Silver side towards the body
To keep warm, put the silver side facing the person. It reflects body heat back.
Wrap from head to toe
Wrap the whole body and cover the head, leaving the face free. Most heat escapes from uncovered skin.
Insulate from the ground
Put a mat, cardboard or clothes under the person. The cold ground pulls away more heat than the air.
Fix it in place
Tuck the edges under the person or hold them with clothing or tape so wind can't get in.
Video guides
Video guides are being prepared.
Manuals & downloads
Manuals will be available here soon.
