Cooling & Warming Blankets

Warming & Cooling Blankets

It is not unusual for patients in the Intensive Care Unit to be very hot or very cold at times because of their disease process. One treatment method seen in the Intensive Care Unit is the use of fan-forced hot or cold air blankets.

How Do They Work?

Warming blankets are used to help increase the body temperature of a hypothermic (very cold) patient. A warming blanket is placed over the patient and works by pumping warm air through channels in the blanket, which helps warm the surface area of the patient.Cooling blankets are used to help decrease the body temperature of a hyperthermic (very hot) patient. Some cooling blankets are placed underneath the patient, whilst others are placed over the patient. The blankets work by pumping cooled air or water through channels in the blanket, which helps cool the surface area of the patient.

Are There Any Complications?

All Intensive Care interventions and procedures carry a degree of potential risk even when performed by skilled and experienced staff. Please discuss these issues with the medical and nursing staff who are caring for the patient.

Any Further Concerns?

Of course, if you have any questions or concerns, please discuss them with the ICU nurses and doctors.

Publication

Warming and Cooling Blankets Version 1.1
First published June 2004
Reviewed June 2008
Reviewer Kathleen Ryan