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Contents
When passive protection needs active support
Euroheater Tactical Heating Systems and UR® are jointly developing an integrated solution for thermal protection in the field.
Euroheater is developing EvacCore – a mobile heating solution that supplies controlled warm air during rescue, evacuation and pre-hospital treatment. Together with UR® and Berge Rescue Bag, we are exploring how active heat support can be integrated into a holistic system to reduce heat loss in demanding environments.
In hospitals, active warming is an established part of treatment. In the field, the challenges are different. Cold, wind, wet clothing, limited access to the patient, and long evacuation times make it more difficult to maintain body temperature.
The problem is not just cold.
In rescue missions, heat loss often begins before the patient is wrapped. Injury, hypothermia, wet clothing, wind, and contact with cold surfaces can quickly lead to reduced body temperature.
Prehospital care has long been based on the Banak principle, where vapor barrier, insulation and a protective outer layer are combined to reduce heat loss. At the same time, both research and professional communities point to the need for better solutions for active heat support outside of hospitals.
This direction is also highlighted by the Norwegian Air Ambulance Foundation in their recent discussion of the use of warm air for hypothermic patients. Active warming with warm air is already an established method in hospital environments. The central question is how similar principles can be adapted for use in the field, before the patient reaches the hospital.
EvacCore and Berge Rescue Bag
Thermal protection is about more than just covering the patient. The goal is to create a stable and protected microclimate throughout the rescue process.
The Berge Rescue Bag is designed to protect the patient from cold, wind and moisture. EvacCore is designed to supply controlled warm air to the protected environment around the patient.
Together, the systems form the basis for an integrated solution that can help reduce heat loss during rescue, treatment and transport.
Joint development
Euroheater and UR® are jointly developing an integrated solution for thermal protection in the field. Euroheater is leading the development of the EvacCore heating module, while UR® is leading the development of the Berge Rescue Bag.
The common goal of both systems is to reduce heat loss without making the workflow more complicated for rescue personnel. Therefore, the solutions are developed with a focus on low weight, ease of use and robust construction for demanding conditions.
The estimated total weight of the integrated system, including rescue bag, heater, fuel and battery for up to 24 hours of operation, is under 13 kg.
This makes the solution relevant for both vehicle-based rescue and operations where the equipment must be carried over longer distances, pre-positioned or delivered by drone.
Delivered by drone
During a recent field exercise, the EvacCore and Berge Rescue Bag were delivered to the scene of an accident by drone as an integrated system. The exercise demonstrated how warmth, patient protection and shelter can be delivered to an injured person before the rest of the rescue resources arrive. In cold environments, early access to thermal protection can be crucial.
Why this is important
Heat loss affects physiology, patient comfort and further treatment. Each phase of the rescue chain represents a risk of further hypothermia.
The goal of the integration between EvacCore and Berge Rescue Bag is therefore not only to add heat, but to create continuity in thermal protection throughout the entire operation.
For the user this means:
- Protected environment around the patient
- Controlled supply of hot air
- Reduced exposure during evacuation
- Less need for repackaging
- Long-term heat support in the field
A new step in thermal protection
With EvacCore, Euroheater wants to make active heat support available in situations where traditional passive protection alone is not sufficient.
The integration with the Berge Rescue Bag represents an important step towards a new generation of rescue systems that combine insulation, thermal support and mobility in one comprehensive solution.
With EvacCore, Euroheater wants to make active heat support available in situations where traditional passive protection alone is not sufficient.
The integration with the Berge Rescue Bag represents an important step towards a new generation of rescue systems that combine insulation, thermal support and mobility in one comprehensive solution.
Regulation and responsibility
The Berge Rescue Bag is designed as a rescue bag system. The integrated EvacCore solution is not marketed as an approved medical device for active patient warming or treatment of hypothermia.
The system is designed to provide controlled warm air to the protected environment around the patient. All operational use must comply with applicable regulations, local procedures and medical responsibilities.
To our knowledge, this is the first time a rescue bag and an air heater have been delivered by drone as a combined system for thermal protection.
Henrik Sollie
Co-founder and CEO of UR®
