The correct use of Ready-Heat™ products
Ready-Heat™ products are the first choice when it comes to protecting patients from hypothermia. All Ready-Heat products offer active thermal protection.
All Ready-Heat products are packaged airtight and reach a temperature of up to 52°C within 15 - 30 minutes of contact with the air. The warmth lasts for at least 6 hours.
The blankets and waistcoats are made of a synthetic, waterproof fibre (98% polycapronamide and 2% titanium dioxide) and a foam filling. The warming elements are securely woven into the filling in special pockets.
Each warming element consists of non-woven fibres woven into the polyethylene pockets. These are provided with fine holes.
We have the following Ready-Heat™ variants in our range:
What must be observed when using Ready-Heat products?
The Ready-Heat products are not sterile packaged and are intended for single use only . Particular care should be taken with people who have sensitive skin, cannot feel heat or cannot regulate their body heat. In addition, the Ready-Heat products - with the exception of the Ready-Heat cocoon for children - are not suitable for babies or children.
For unconscious persons or persons who are unable to respond or communicate, temperature and skin response should be checked every 10 - 20 minutes, or according to applicable clinical protocols.
The Ready-Heat blankets should not be folded on a patient during use. Folding the blanket may result in increased heat retention . If necessary, move the blanket to the side or remove it completely from the patient.
The warming elements should never be opened. Likewise, the contents of the warming elements must not come into contact with the mouth, eyes or open wounds. In the event of contact, wash the affected area immediately with clean water . If the contents are swallowed, a poison information centre should be called immediately.
What should I do if the Ready-Heat product does not get warm?
There are usually three reasons why a Ready-Heat product does not get warm or does not feel warm.
- Due to the packaging process, it can happen that the powder in the heating elements is compressed too much. Shake the Ready-Heat product or knead the individual heat cells again vigorously. Shaking or kneading loosens the powder and allows more air, and therefore oxygen, to enter.
- It is possible that the outside temperature is so low that the Ready-Heat product does not feel warm. The lower the outside temperature, the less warm the product feels. Due to the rapid heat conduction to the outside , the surface cools down more. It is therefore important to provide patients with an additional insulating and protective blanket. This creates a stationary air envelope around the patient.
- For applications in rooms with a high room temperature, it may be that the Ready-Heat product also does not feel warm or only lukewarm. In this case, however, it is due to the small temperature difference between the product and the room temperature.
How can you tell if a Ready-Heat product is damaged?
- Check whether there are holes or tears in the packaging or whether you can hear air escaping when you press lightly on the packaging.
- Immerse the Ready-Heat product in water. To do this, take a shallow container into which the product fits completely. Immerse the product completely and hold it under water for 40 seconds. If air bubbles rise to the surface, the packaging is damaged.
- Check the packaging visually and carefully feel the product. If the heating elements feel hard and sparse, there is probably damage - the heating elements have already been activated. This means that the Ready-Heat product can no longer be used.
Avoid the following points when handling Ready-Heat products
- Do not apply directly to open skin areas
- Do not use underneath the patient
- Do not use in X-ray, CT or MRI environments
- Do not use in hyperbaric oxygen chambers
- Do not place over surgical sites
- Do not place directly on transdermal medication patches
- Never place objects or instruments on a Ready-Heat blanket
- Do not place on ischaemic limbs
- Do not use in the immediate vicinity of inflammatory anaesthetic gases
Answers to the most frequently asked questions
FAQ Ready-Heat
How do I apply Ready-Heat products?
Firstly, open the packaging, spread out the dirt and shake well. Then place the Ready-Heat product on the patient.
Can Ready-Heat products be placed on bare skin?
No, Ready-Heat products cannot be placed on bare skin. This can lead to burns.
How hot can Ready-Heat products get?
Ready-Heat products can get up to 52°C hot.
What can I do if the heat output decreases?
If the heat decreases, it is sufficient to allow air to reach the Ready-Heat product again.
How do Ready-Heat products work?
After opening and removing the product from the packaging, the chemical substances in the Ready-Heat products react with the oxygen in the air. This causes the products to reach a temperature of up to 52°C.
How long does it take for Ready-Heat products to reach their operating temperature?
The heating process begins immediately after the product is removed from its packaging. The products reach their operating temperature after just 10 - 15 minutes
What chemical substances are contained in the Ready-Heat heating elements?
They contain iron powder, water, activated charcoal, wood powder and salt
How are Ready-Heat products packaged?
Ready-Heat products are packaged in a robust film.
Can there be deviations in the quality of the packaging?
Due to the manufacturing process, there may be deviations in the quality under certain circumstances. The air is manually extracted from the packaging during the manufacturing process.
The following Ready-Heat products are packed airtight, but not vacuum-packed: 12-element blanket, cocoon for children and TMB Full Body Blanket
The following Ready-Heat products are vacuum-packed and therefore even more robust: 1-element blanket, 6-element blanket and waistcoat
How do I dispose of my Ready-Heat blanket?
After use, the product can be disposed of with household waste. All components are harmless to the environment.
