Warming Blankets

There have been concerns raised over the following warning and request on the packaging of this product. The request appears beyond what would be considered usual practice.

Molnlycke are addressing this issue. See: Letter from Molnlycke 4th March 2016.

Active self-warming blankets have several safety advantages over forced-air warmers. They may also represent a significant cost saving measure – linen usage will be greatly reduced.

Disadvantages of forced air warmers include:
– occasionally turning forced air warmer on is overlooked
– risk of patient burns when used incorrectly (see here)
– hose falling out from yellow blanket connection without being realised
– requirement for electricity to be used (cost)
– heating devices shouldn’t be plugged into anaesthetic machine
– power point use (less sockets for other equipment; also leads to power packs and other, extension cabling and other potential safety issues)
– electrical cable tripping hazard
– don’t easily allow for pre-warming
– noise pollution
– not amenable (easily) for use postoperatively
– surgeons/scrub sister often request for forced air warmer to be left off until patient prepped and draped so as not to inflate onto sterile field. Significant delay post induction before warming can commence.

Contact  a representative and trial the EasyWarm Blanket in your hospital.

Note:

Active self-warming blankets are not licensed for use in paediatrics.

They are contraindicated in hypotensive patients.

They remain warm for 10 hours after exposing to air and have a shelf life of 2 years.

Patientsafe has no financial interest with EasyWarm or Molnlycke.