Hypothermia and the use of space blankets: a literature review.

Developed in the 1960s, the 'space blanket' subsequently became a popular tool in the management of the hypothermic patient. Recent articles addressing the issue of the management of hypothermia have tended to offer a variety of suggestions for combating hypothermia, but mention of the space blanket as a tool in this aim appears to have diminished. A review of 20 articles concerned with the management of hypothermia (and identified using a computerized search strategy) indicates that the space blanket has fallen from popularity in treating hypothermic patients and supports the notion that A & E departments should employ alternative methods for rewarming the patient with hypothermia.