Portable Trauma Patient Warming Blanket and Heat Source

Prevention and treatment of hypothermia during casualty transport is a major concern during military operations. Warming blankets are available at some field surgical centers, but nothing is currently available during air transport. Proposed is a rechargeable portable warming blanket system comprising a thermal energy storage module and blanket. The device will operate from electrical power sources when available, and can operate without external power for up to 2 hours. The blanket and TES unit will be designed for easy movement with patient, and will provide uninterrupted warming while waiting for transportation, during transport, and waiting for treatment. Thermal energy storage will be based on absorption of a refrigerant by a solid absorbent. This technology provides the highest heat energy storage density of all known heat storage media, is quickly and easily recharged from any electrical power source, has virtually infinite recharge cycle life, and no standby losses once the TES system is charged. Heat will be transferred from the thermal energy storage module to the blanket using liquid and a small battery-powered circulation pump. Small tubes will be woven into the blanket for liquid circulation.