Technical Field

[0001 ] The present invention is concerned with a rescue bag, the use of a rescue bag and a method for production of a rescue bag.

Background

[0002] Preventing loss of body heat is essential for an injured and I or hypothermic patient out in the field, at an accident location and I or during transport to a hospital. Indeed, preventing loss of body heat and thereby keeping body temperature as close to normal as possible is known to be a key factor in improving chances of survival.

In addition, the patient must be protected from the elements before being transferred to the safety of a vehicle, such as an ambulance, rescue vessel or rescue helicopter. Protection from cold, wind and I or precipitation is especially important in harsh climates, such as encountered at higher latitudes, at sea or in mountainous terrain.

[0003] In order to prevent loss of body heat and to provide protection from the elements, a rescue bag may be used. A rescue bag may be wrapped around the patient and then closed, preferably leaving only the face of the patient exposed. As it takes less energy for the human body to warm up moist air, a rescue bag usually comprises a vapor proof layer. The vapor proof layer allows to maintain a layer of warm, moist air directly around the patient.

[0004] Preferably, a rescue bag is of low weight and of low volume when in a packed state, thereby facilitating ease of transportation in the field before use. In addition, a rescue bag is preferably abrasion resistant, to withstand use in rough environments, such as on rocky or vegetated surfaces. One type of rescue bag currently utilized by various rescue services comprises a sheet of bubble wrap, optionally provided with a nylon sheet or tarp as outer layer. Bubble wrap is a transparent or semitransparent plastic material with regularly spaced, enclosed air pockets, originally developed as packaging material for fragile goods. Bubble wrap is lightweight, waterproof and windproof and acts as a vapor barrier when wrapped around a patient. The optional nylon sheet or tarp provides abrasion resistance. A disadvantage of bubble wrap rescue bags is that the bubble wrap material does not absorb fluids, allowing condensed water and possible body fluids to collect around the wrapped patient, thereby increasing discomfort. Further disadvantages are that bubble wrap cannot be washed and reused, it cannot be vacuumed and thus takes up a large volume when packed. Alternative rescue bags may use regular hospital blankets instead of bubble wrap material. Although these may absorb fluids, be washed and reused, regular hospital blankets have the disadvantage of not being vapor proof, being heavy and being cumbersome to apply.

[0005] Consequently, there is a clear need for a rescue bag that preserves body warmth of an injured and I or hypothermic patient wrapped therein and protects the patient from the elements. Thus, it is an object of the invention to provide a rescue bag that minimize temperature loss in the human body. The rescue bag should absorb fluids to increase patient comfort and be easy to wrap around the patient. Another objective of the invention is to provide a rescue bag having a low weight and a small packed volume to facilitate ease of transportation in the field before use and serves as a practical evacuation platform from site of accident to the hospital. Another objective is to provide a rescue bag that is partially or wholly washable and reusable.

Summary of the invention

[0006] The present invention concerns a rescue bag according to claim 1 . The present invention also concerns the use of a rescue bag according to claim 15 and a method for producing a rescue bag according to claim 16.

Figures

[0007] Figure 1 A schematically shows the inside of a rescue bag according to the invention. [0008] Figure 1 B schematically shows the outside of a rescue bag according to the invention.

[0009] Figure 2 schematically shows a cross-section of a rescue bag according to the invention.

Detailed description

[0010] Figure 1A schematically shows the inside of a rescue bag 1 according to the invention, in a fully opened state. Figure 1 B schematically shows the outside of a rescue bag 1 according to the invention, in a fully opened state. The same reference signs denote the same features in fig. 1 A and 1 B. The shape of the rescue bag is essential to ensure that a minimum of air remains inside the rescue bag, thus reducing heat loss, whilst facilitating swift handling of the patient in difficult weather conditions. The rescue bag 1 may have a generally rectangular shape although with a lower end shaped so that it will be functional to patients of various lengths. The rescue bag 1 has an upper end A, for supporting and I or covering the head and shoulders of a patient, and a lower end A’, for supporting and I or covering the legs and feet of a patient. The lengthwise axis of the rescue bag (dash-dotted line from A to A’ in fig. 1 A) extends from the upper end A to the lower end A’. Preferably, the rescue bag 1 is symmetrical with respect to the lengthwise axis. The rescue bag may have a central part 1a, preferably with a rectangular shape. The rescue bag 1 may have a tapered lower part 1 b (shown in fig. 1 A) towards the lower end A’. The rescue bag may also have a tapered shape (not shown) towards the upper end A. Advantageously, a tapered shape at the lower end A’ and I or upper end A reduces the amount of material of the rescue bag, thereby saving weight and reducing packing volume. The rescue bag 1 may optionally comprise an extending patch 1c at the upper end A, for supporting and I or covering the head of a patient. The extending patch 1 c may have a half-circle shape (shown in fig. 1 A), a rectangular shape or a tapered shape. Preferably the extending patch 1c is symmetrically placed with respect to the lengthwise axis. A support area 1 d, extends from the optional extending patch 1c along the lengthwise axis. The support area 1d preferably extends along the central part 1a and partly into the tapered lower part 1 b. The support area 1d may support the back and optionally the head of a patient. The rescue bag 1 may optionally comprise a hood (not shown). The hood may be releasably fixed to the upper end A or to the optional extending patch 1c, for instance by means of Velcro strips, a zipper or push buttons.

[0011 ] Along the lengthwise axis (A to A’ in fig. 1A) the rescue bag 1 may have a length of 225 cm to 325 cm, preferably 275 cm. In the central part 1a, the rescue bag 1 may have a width of 160 cm to 220 cm, preferably 190 cm. At the lower end A’, the rescue bag 1 may have a width of 50 cm to 110 cm, preferably 80 cm. In the lengthwise direction (A to A’ in fig. 1A) the support area 1d may have a length of 110 cm to 180 cm, preferably 145 cm. The support area may have a width of 30 cm to 70 cm, preferably 50 cm.

[0012] The rescue bag 1 comprises an outer layer 2, an inner layer 4 and a padding layer 3, placed between the outer layer 2 and the inner layer 4. A schematical cross-section of the rescue bag 1 is shown in figure 2, where the same reference signs indicate the same features as in figures 1 A and 1 B. The outer layer 2 comprises at least one fabric layer 2a. Preferably the fabric layer 2a of the outer layer 2 comprises a synthetic fabric, such as a polyester fabric, or a nylon fabric. The fabric layer 2a may be non-woven or a woven, such as a woven nylon ripstop fabric. Advantageously, the fabric layer provides abrasion resistance. The fabric layer 2a may comprise a ripstop fabric, to further improve abrasion resistance. The outer layer 2 may further comprise a polymer coating 2b (vertically-striped pattern in fig. 2) or a polymer lining, applied to the fabric layer 2a and facing the padding 3. The polymer coating 2b or polymer lining may comprise a polyurethane, a polyvinylchloride, a polytetrafluorethylene, a stretched or expanded polytetrafluorethylene, a silicone, or a thermoplastic polyurethane. Advantageously, the polymer coating 2b or polymer lining provides or improves the water resistance of the outer layer. The outer layer 2 has a weight of 50 g/m ² to 350 g/m ² , preferably 200 g/m ² . [0013] The outer layer 2 has a water resistance rating of 1500 mm to 25000 mm. A water resistance rating at or above 10000 mm is in practice considered to be waterproof. A water resistance rating in the range 1500 mm to 10000 mm is in practice considered to be water resistant. The water resistance rating is determined by the maximum height in mm of a 2.54 cm (1 inch) diameter water column which the layer can support for 24 hours without leakage.

[0014] On the outside, the outer layer 2 may be coated with a durable water repellent coating (not shown), such as a fluoropolymer coating. The durable water repellent coating provides the outer layer 2 with hydrophilic properties, repelling water and dirt.

[0015] The outer layer 2 may have a bright color, preferably a yellow, orange or red color. Optionally the bright color of the outer layer 2 may be fluorescent. Advantageously, a bright color increases visibility, especially in low light situations, in snowy or vegetated terrain, at sea or in adverse weather conditions. Additionally, the outer layer 2 may be provided with patches or strips of light-reflective material on its outside. Alternatively, the outer layer 2 may have one or more subdued colors, such as grey, brown or green colors, possibly in a camouflage pattern. Advantageously, one or more subdued colors allow the rescue bag to blend into the terrain in snowy, sandy, rocky or vegetated areas, which may be beneficial for military applications.

[0016] The padding layer 3 comprises at least one insulation layer 3a and a lining 3b (wavy pattern in fig. 2). The lining 3b faces the inner layer 4. The function of the lining 3b is to maintain the at least one insulation layer 3a in place, sandwiched between the outer layer 2 and the lining 3b. The at least one insulation layer 3a may comprise a synthetic insulation, such as a polyester fiber-based insulation. The polyester fibers may be hollow fibers. Alternatively, the at least one insulation layer 3a may comprise a natural insulation, such as a wool fiber-based insulation. The lining 3b preferably comprises a polyester fabric. The padding layer 3 has a thickness of 5 mm to 50 mm, more preferably 9 mm. The at least one insulation layer 3a may have a weight of 50 g/m ² to 500 g/m ² , preferably 100 g/m ² to 300 g/m ² . The lining 3b may have a weight of 30 g/m ² to 100 g/m ² , preferably 57 g/m ² .

[0017] The lining 3b is fixed to the outer layer 2, preferably along the outer perimeter. Thereby the insulation layer 3a is held in place between the outer layer 2 and the lining 3b. Preferably the lining 3b and outer layer 2 are sewed together. Alternatively, the lining 3b and the outer layer 2 may be welded together, by ultrasonic welding or by heat welding. The seams between the lining 3b and the outer layer 2 may be taped with seam tape. Advantageously, the seam tape reinforces the seams and increases the water resistance thereof.

[0018] One or more additional insulation layers 3a may be applied in the support area 1d of the rescue bag 1. Thereby additional padding is provided in the area of the rescue bag 1 on which the head, upper body and possibly the thighs of a patient are placed. Advantageously, the one or more additional insulation layers 3a provides an improved cushioning and insulation between the patient and the surface on which the rescue bag 1 is placed, such as a rocky surface or the deck of a rescue vessel. On the optional extending patch 1c, a further one or more additional insulation layers 3a may be applied, thereby providing further insulation, support and cushioning for the head of a patient. Advantageously, the further one or more additional insulation layers 3a aid to raise the head of the patient and thereby increases patient comfort. The hood may be provided with a single, a double or a triple insulation layer 3a.

[0019] The inner layer 4 is placed on the lining 3b of the padding layer 3. Preferably, the inner layer 4 covers most or all of the padding layer 3. The inner layer 4 may also cover the optional extending patch 1c and I or the hood. Preferably, the inner layer 4 is not fixed to the padding layer 3. Thereby, the inner layer 4 may easily be removed from the padding layer 3. Advantageously, a patient can thus be transferred to a hospital bed, while wrapped in the inner layer 4. Alternatively, the inner layer 4 may be releasably fixed to the padding layer 3 by means of double-sided tape or Velcro strips. Advantageously, the inner layer 4 is thereby kept securely in place during transport, unfolding and folding of the rescue bag 1 . The inner layer 4 may then be partially loosened from the padding layer 3, in order to wrap a patient, as detailed below.

[0020] The inner layer 4 is, in each case, removed from the rescue bag 1 after use and discarded. The rescue bag 1 may then be washed, after which a new inner layer 4 is placed in the rescue bag 1 . The rescue bag 1 may then be folded and packed, to be re-used. Advantageously, the rescue bag 1 can thus be used and reused multiple times, which is environmentally beneficial.

[0021 ] The inner layer 4 comprises a barrier layer 4a (block-patter in fig. 2), a diffusing layer 4c (striped-slanted pattern in fig. 2) and an absorbing layer 4b (dotted pattern in fig. 2) therebetween. One example of such multilayer sheet is an ASAP® sheet. The inner layer 4 has a thickness of 0.5 mm to 1 .0 mm, preferably 0.7 mm. The barrier layer 4a faces the lining 3b of the padding layer 3. The barrier layer 4a is preferably liquid tight or fluid tight and comprises a polymer material, such as a nylon material. Advantageously, the barrier layer 4a traps moist air around a patient wrapped in the rescue bag 1 , thereby maintaining body heat of the patient more efficiently. The absorbing layer 4b is preferably a super absorbing layer 4b and comprises a polymer with super absorbent properties, such as a sodium acrylate based (co)polymer or a polyacrylic acid polymer. The polymer of the absorbing layer 4b may be in granular form, having a particle size of 5 - 50 pm. The absorbing layer 4b is preferably glued to the barrier layer 4a, in a weight of 5 g/m ² to 70 g/m ² , preferably 30 g/m ² . The inner layer 4 may thereby absorb a liquid volume of up to 10 I / m ² . Advantageously, the absorbing layer 4b absorbs body fluids of a patient wrapped in the rescue bag 1 , thereby increasing patient comfort. The diffusing layer 4c may comprise a non-woven or a woven fabric, preferably with an open structure. Preferably, the diffusing layer 4c comprises a hydrophilic material or a hydrophilic coating. The diffusing layer 4c may be fixed to the barrier layer 4a at the perimeter thereof, for instance by sewing, gluing, or welding. Advantageously, the diffusing layer 4c allows liquids to be quickly transported away from the patient and into the absorbing layer 4b. Advantageously, the diffusing layer 4c provides a comfortable contact surface for the patient wrapped in the rescue bag 1 .

[0022] The inner layer 4 may comprise one or more visible markings 5. The visual markings 5 may comprise lines, numbers and written or pictogram-like instructions. The markings 5 serve as a visual guide, aiding rescue personnel with the correct folding of the rescue bag 1 around a patient. Lines may, for example, be printed on the inner layer, indicating a correct folding distance with respect to the feet of a patient. Numbers or symbols (indicated by roman numbers I, II and III in fig. 1A) indicating a folding order may be printed at the left side, the right and the lower end A’ of the inner layer 4. Corresponding written or pictogram-like folding instructions (not shown), referring to the numbers or symbols, may also be printed elsewhere on the inner layer 4. Such numbers are critical for ensuring the correct sequence of folding and not known to be used in hypothermic rescue bags. Two adjustable straps (not shown on the drawings) may be fitted to foot end of the bag to ensure adequate locking of the bag.

[0023] An advantage of the rescue bag 1 according to the invention is an improved compressibility, reducing overall packing volume and thereby improving portability. This is especially advantageous in inaccessible or mountainous terrain, where rescue materials have to be carried, or in an ambulance, where there are severe limitations on available space.

[0024] The rescue bag 1 comprises one or more fasteners 6a and mating parts 6b, fixed to the outside of the outer layer 2 (fig. 1 B). The one or more fasteners are preferably fixed to the right side of the outer layer 2, with the mating parts 6b fixed to the left side of the outer layer 2. Preferably, the one or more fasteners 6a and the mating parts 6b comprise Velcro strips, loops and hooks, clasps or side release buckles. The one or more fasteners 6a and mating parts 6b are preferably regularly distributed over the length of the rescue bag 1. Thereby, the one or more fasteners 6a and corresponding mating parts 6b allow the rescue bag 1 to be adapted to a wide range of patient body sizes and shapes, such that a patient can be securely wrapped and held in the rescue bag 1 . The mating parts 6b may be directly fixed to the outer layer 2, or may be fixed to the outer layer 2 by means of one or more elastic cords 6c. The elastic cord(s) allows the rescue bag 1 to be tightened around a patient wrapped therein, thereby preventing heat loss. In a preferred embodiment, the mating parts 6b may be fixed to the outer layer 2 by a single elastic cord (not shown). Thereby, tightening of the rescue bag 1 around a patient can be easily adapted along the lengthwise direction. The elastic cord(s) may be provided with one or more cord locks to allow a quick tensioning, adjustment and release thereof. The elastic cord(s) may be threaded through loops or sleeves, provided on or in the outer layer 2.

[0025] One or more carrying loops 7 may be provided on the outside of the outer layer 2. The carrying loops 7 may be regularly distributed over the length of the rescue bag 1 . Preferably, four carrying loops 7 are provided facing left and four carrying loops 7 are provided facing right. A looped nylon webbing material may be fixed onto the outer layer 2 (fixed part shown in dark grey in fig. 1 B), preferably by sewing, heat welding or ultrasonic welding. The opposite end parts of the looped webbing material are not fixed to the outer material (black in fig. 1 B), thereby forming one left facing carrying loop 7 and one right facing carrying loop 7. Advantageously, the one or more carrying loops 7 allow a patient wrapped in the rescue bag 1 to be moved by rescue personnel or an ambulance crew. Preferably, an additional carrying loop may be provided at the upper end A to facilitate the evacuation (not shown in the drawings).

[0026] An elastic cord 8 may be embedded in a sleeve positioned (embedded part shown in dark grey in fig. 1 B) at the upper end A of the rescue bag 1 and partially protrude from the sleeve (protruding part shown in black in fig. 1 B). The elastic cord 8 allows the rescue bag 1 to be tightened around the shoulders of a patient wrapped therein, thereby preventing heat loss and intrusion of precipitation through the top opening of a rescue bag 1 . The elastic cord 8 may be provided with a cord lock 9 to allow a quick tensioning, adjustment and release thereof. A further elastic cord (not shown) may be embedded within the rim of the hood and partially protrude therefrom. The further elastic cord allows the hood to be tightened around the head of a patient, thereby further preventing heat loss and intrusion of precipitation. The further elastic cord may be provided with a cord lock to allow a quick tensioning, adjusting and release thereof.

[0027] The rescue bag 1 may optionally comprise one or more thermo pads (not shown), for active heating of the rescue bag 1 . The thermo pads may be inserted in one or more pockets, provided in the outer layer 2, in the padding layer 3 or in the inner layer 4. Alternatively, a separate thermo pad may be inserted into the rescues bag 1 when the latter is folded around a patient.

[0028] The rescue bag 1 preferably comprises a compression bag (not shown), for holding the rescue bag 1 during transport or storage. The compression bag may be provided with compression straps, allowing the volume of the packed rescue bag 1 to be minimized. A minimized packing volume is advantageous when the packed rescue bag 1 is transported by a rescue crew or ambulance. The compression bag may comprise a waterproof material and may be closeable with a tension cord, a roll-top with side release buckle, or a waterproof zipper. Optionally, a patch with instructions for use of the rescue bag 1 may be fixed to or printed on the outside of the compression bag.

[0029] According to one embodiment the rescue bag 1 with an extending patch 1c, may have a water resistance rating of 15000 mm or more and an insulation layer 3a with a weight of 270 g/m ² or more. The support area 1d comprises an additional, second insulation layer 3a and the extending patch 1c comprises an additional third and fourth insulation layer 3a. The rescue bag according to this embodiment provides robust protection against the elements, having a waterproof outer layer. Additionally, the multiple insulation layers provide superior insulation and padding for an injured and I or hypothermic patient, when lying on a cold or uneven surface. Such a rescue bag 1 may be preferable for rescue vessels at sea, where protection from the elements is critical.

[0030] According to another embodiment, the rescue bag may have a water resistance rating of 5000mm to 10000 mm and an insulation layer with a weight of 50 g/m ² to 150 g/m ² . A single insulation layer 3a is applied throughout the rescue bag 1 , including the support area 1d. Thereby, the packing volume and the weight of the rescue bag 1 are reduced, improving portability. Such a rescue bag 1 may be preferable for ambulances, rescue crews on foot or the military, for whom packing space and weight are critical factors. Another advantage of a lighter rescue bag using less material is a reduced overall cost.

[0031 ] Next, the use of a rescue bag 1 according to the invention is described. An injured and I or hypothermic patient can be laid down on the rescue bag 1 when the rescue bag 1 is in an opened or partially opened state leveraging medical roll technique in challenging weather conditions. This is not possible with current solutions. The optional hood may be placed around the head of the patient and tightened. Preferably the head, upper body and possibly the thighs of the patient are then placed on the support area 1d (dotted line in fig. 1A). Advantageously, the optional additional insulation layer provided in the support area 1d insulates vital body parts of the patient from the surface on which the rescue bag 1 is positioned. Subsequently, the rescue bag 1 can be folded around the patient and closed, as described below.

[0032] In order to wrap the patient in the inner layer 4, first the inner layer 4 is folded over the patient, followed by folding the combined outer layer 2 and padding layer 3 over the patient. First, the inner layer is folded from the lower end A’ towards the upper end A. The part of the inner layer 4 that is folded first is indicated with a roman I in fig. 1 A. Next, the inner layer 4 is folded from the right towards the left. The part of the inner layer 4 that is folded second is indicated with a roman II in fig. 1A. Finally, the inner layer 4 is folded from the left towards the right. The part of the inner layer 4 that is folded last is indicated with a roman III in fig. 1A. Thereby, the inner layer 4 is wrapped around the patient in a so-called “burrito-style”, where the markings 5 serve as a visual guide for folding. Subsequently, the padding layer 3 and outer layer 2 are folded over the patient wrapped in the inner layer 4, in the same order as the inner layer 4. First, the outer layer 2 and padding layer 3 are folded from the lower end A’ towards the upper end A. Next, the outer layer 2 and padding layer 3 are folded from the right to the left. Finally, the outer layer 2 and the padding layer 3 are folded the left to the right. Each of the mating parts 6b is then attached to their corresponding fastener 6a and possibly tightened. Finally, the draw cord 8 may be tightened around the shoulders of the patient. Thereby, the rescue bag 1 is securely maintained in the folded state around the patient. Preferably, in the folded state, the opening along the lengthwise direction of the rescue bag 1 is on the left side of the patient. Thereby emergency personnel, which is usually seated on the left side of a patient being transported by ambulance or helicopter, has easy access to the patient.

[0033] Alternatively, the hood may be applied to the injured and I or hypothermic patient separately, for instance for covering the exposed head of an injured and I or hypothermic patient who is otherwise covered by debris, snow or stuck in a car wreck. The remaining part of the rescue bag can then be applied to the body of the injured and I or hypothermic patient, once the patient is released from the snow, debris or car wreck.

[0034] A method for producing a rescue bag 1 comprises providing an outer layer 2, a padding layer 3 and an inner layer 4. Preferably, one or more fasteners 6a, mating parts 6b and elastic cords 6c, are fixed to the outside of the outer layer 2. The one or more fasteners 6a may be fixed to the outer layer 2 by sewing, heat welding or ultrasonic welding. The mating parts 6b may be fixed to elastic cord(s) 6c. The elastic cord(s) 6c may be threaded through sleeves or loops provided in or on the outer layer and fixed by one or more cord locks. Optionally, one or more reflective patches or strips are fixed to the outside of the outer layer 2. The padding layer 3 is fixed to the outer layer 2, preferably at the perimeter thereof. The padding layer 3 may be fixed to the outer layer 2 by sewing, gluing, heat welding or by ultrasonic welding of the lining 3b of the padding layer 3 to the outer layer 2. Thereby, the insulating layer 3a is securely held in place between the lining 3a and the outer layer 2. Additionally, the insulating layer 3a may be partially glued or sewed to the outer layer 2 and/or to the lining 3b. When two or more insulating layers 3a are applied, these may be partially or fully glued or sewed to one another. Thereby a displacement of the insulating layers 3a with respect to one another is prevented. Seam tape may be applied to the seams between the outer layer 2 and the lining 3b. In the support area 1 d a double insulating layer 3a is applied. On the optional extending patch 1c a further single, double or triple insulating layer 3a is applied. An elastic cord 8 may be embedded in the rescue bag 1. Preferably, the elastic cord 8 is embedded by inserting into a sleeve, provided in the central part 1 a area of the outer layer 2. Finally, the inner layer 4 is removably fixed to the padding layer 3. The inner layer 4 is preferably fixed to the padding layer 3 by means of double-sided tape or Velcro strips. List of references

[0035]

1 rescue bag

1 a central part

1 b tapered lower part

1 c extending patch

1 d support area

2 outer layer

2a fabric layer

2b polymer coating

3 padding layer

3a insulating layer

3b lining

4 inner layer

4a barrier layer

4b absorbing layer

4c diffusing layer

5 markings

6a fastener b mating partc elastic cord carrying loops elastic cord cord lock