What is hypothermia?

01st Oct 2026

Reliance Medical

Understanding Hypothermia: Why the Igloo Hypothermia Blanket Is Vital for Emergency Care

Hypothermia is one of the most critical yet frequently underestimated risks in pre-hospital care, outdoor trauma, and emergency rescue situations. When core body temperature plummets, the body’s physiological systems begin to shut down, drastically increasing risks to life.

What Is Hypothermia? The “Silent Threat” in Emergencies

Hypothermia occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it, driving the core body temperature below 35°C (95°F).

While many associate hypothermia strictly with freezing outdoor climates, it can happen in mild weather, indoors, or secondary to physical trauma. When a casualty suffers blood loss, shock, or immobility on cold ground, their natural thermoregulation fails

In trauma medicine, hypothermia forms one corner of the lethal “Trauma Triad of Death” alongside acidosis and coagulopathy. A drop of just 1°C in core temperature significantly impairs the body’s clotting mechanisms, worsening internal or external bleeding.

How the Igloo Blanket Provides Life-Saving Protection

The video showcases the Igloo Hypothermia Blanket as a specialised thermal solution designed to halt active heat loss and stabilise casualties effectively.

1. Multi-Layer design
   Unlike single-ply foil, the Igloo blanket utilises advanced multi-layer technology that traps and warms air to maintain body temperature. Igloo Xtreme features heatpatches for active heating.

2. MultiDesigned for rapid deployment
   As Igloo blankets are not vacuum packed it can be removed from the pack and deployed in seconds – whilst its space saving design takes up less room in a kit or ambulance

3. Latex free
   Igloo blankets are safe of those with an allergy to latex.