Accidental hypothermia remains an important contributory factor to the mortality of trauma patients in both civilian and military environments. As a component of the ‘lethal triad’ it poses a significant problem in patients at risk of hemorrhage from traumatic injuries. Systems used to mitigate hypothermia in the prehospital environment must strike a balance between weight: size ratio and optimal performance.

This study compared three hypothermia mitigation systems; two leading products and the novel Xtract™SR Heatsaver, over a three-day trial period. Seven subjects were placed in a closed system, held at around 0°C, to promote the onset of mild hypothermia. Individuals with a tympanic temperature recording of < or = 35°C were placed into one of the three systems. Recordings of aural temperature and a numerical perceived comfort score were made every 15-20 minutes to assess rate of rewarming and subject’s perceptions of the process. An additional study was carried out by an experienced consultant in military and civilian emergency medicine, on day three of the trial, to determine the ease of clinical assessment of individuals placed inside the Xtract™SR Heatsaver prototype.

On all three days, subjects placed in the Xtract™SR Heatsaver recovered from their hypothermic state faster than those placed in the other systems. Clinical assessment could easily be performed on a patient placed in the Xtract™SR Heatsaver system.

Results demonstrate that the new Xtract™SR Heatsaver system is superior with regards to reducing heat loss, increasing patient comfort and allowing for clinical assessment. The study also highlights the importance of the use of adjuncts such as heat cell blankets and insulation matts alongside hypothermia mitigation systems deployed in the prehospital environment. Furthermore, data gathered provides scope for future research into nuances surrounding the effects and onset of hypothermia.