Each year, fires result in over 3,000 deaths and 50,000 injuries in the United States, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). In fire emergencies, using the correct equipment is critical to avoid worsening the situation. Wool blankets or burn wraps may not be suitable for burn care. While they can extinguish flames, they often fail to provide effective cooling or protection, leading to burn injuries and secondary injuries, like worsened burns and increased pain.
In high-heat environments, traditional burn gel blankets can cause further damage, especially when left on the burn area. On the other hand, water jel fire blankets provide sustained cooling and pain relief. Their water-soluble cooling gel not only helps prevent infection but also accelerates healing. For example, water jel burn blankets absorb up to 13 times their weight in water, providing much-needed cooling for burn victims.
Traditional Fire Blankets vs. Burn Gel Blankets
In fire emergencies, proper and rapid treatment of burn injuries is essential to minimize burn progression and prevent secondary injuries. Traditional fire blankets, often made from fiberglass or 100% worsted wool, are typically used to extinguish flames, but they are not designed to treat burns effectively. When wrapped around a burn victim, these blankets often adhere to the burn site, causing secondary tissue damage during removal. According to studies from the American Burn Association, over 30% of burn victims treated with traditional fire blankets experienced complications, including prolonged recovery and increased risk of infection, due to the damage caused during blanket removal.
Burn gel blankets, designed by Safeprotex, incorporate medical-grade gel that addresses multiple aspects of burn care. The gel creates a moisture-retentive barrier, sealing the burn area to prevent air exposure, which is critical for reducing the risk of bacterial contamination. The bacteriostatic gel within these blankets prevents bacterial growth, reducing the likelihood of infection, which is one of the most common and dangerous complications in burn recovery.
One of the key advantages of burn gel blankets is their cooling properties. The gel can absorb up to 13 times its weight in water, rapidly cooling the burn area and preventing further tissue damage. Clinical studies have shown that burn gel blankets reduce recovery times by up to 40%, compared to traditional methods, due to the sustained cooling effect provided by the gel. The gel’s thermal barrier also helps stop burn progression, alleviating pain and reducing inflammation.
In addition to their use in civilian burn care, burn gel blankets have proven to be indispensable in military applications. In the field, combat medics rely on burn gel blankets for first-aid burn treatment, particularly in high-risk environments such as explosive hazards and fire-related combat injuries. The non-stick gel ensures that, when the blanket is removed, it does not cause additional damage to the burn site, preventing secondary injuries and reducing recovery time. The gel also provides immediate pain relief, making it a critical tool for saving lives on the battlefield.
Compliance
Traditional fire blankets are primarily designed to extinguish flames and prevent further ignition by withstanding high temperatures. These blankets typically undergo certifications such as UL 2367 and NFPA 701, which evaluate the flame resistance of the material, ensuring that it can put out the fire and cool the skin in emergency situations. However, these tests focus primarily on the fabric’s resistance to heat and flame exposure, without considering the impact of the blanket when it comes into direct contact with burn victims, especially in burn injury situations.
In contrast, burn gel blankets are subject to more comprehensive certifications, especially those used in military applications. The primary military certification for burn gel blankets is MIL-PRF-32001, which ensures that the product can withstand harsh combat conditions and be used safely for emergency first aid in high-risk environments. These blankets undergo testing not only for thermal stability and flame resistance but also for their biocompatibility with human skin, ensuring that the water-soluble gel used is safe and effective for treating burn injuries.
One of the key differences between the certifications of traditional fire blankets and burn gel blankets lies in the consideration of human health. While traditional fire blankets are tested primarily for thermal resistance and flame suppression, burn gel blankets undergo additional tests for medical safety. These blankets are designed to cool the burn area, provide pain relief, and protect the skin from further damage or infection. The gel’s bacteriostatic properties help prevent infection, which is critical for burn victims requiring emergency first aid.
Burn gel blankets also undergo field testing to ensure they can withstand the conditions of emergency scenarios such as combat or high-risk environments, where speed and effectiveness are crucial. The non-stick gel ensures that the blanket does not adhere to the burn site, thus preventing secondary injuries when removed. This unique feature provides relief from pain and speeds up the healing process, making burn gel blankets essential for combat medics and emergency responders.
Safeprotex offers top-quality burn gel blankets that meet both military and medical standards. Ensure your team is ready for any fire emergency—contact Safeprotex today for expert advice and the best burn protection solutions available.