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Assessment of a conductive component of heat transfer in selected insulation systems: an experimental study
Aleksandra Skowronek1, Michał Pluta2, Tomasz Darocha3
1Department of Acute Medicine, Medical University of Silesia, Sklodowskiej Curie Street 9, Zabrze, 41800, Poland.
Abstract:
Post-traumatic hypothermia increases morbidity and mortality. Preventing heat loss plays an important role in improving outcomes of trauma patients. The purpose of the study was to compare selected thermal insulation systems regarding heat loss by conduction. An experimental study was conducted. We simulated the scenario mimicking a patient lying on a cold surface. A copper manikin of a human torso was placed on a cold water mattress. The manikin temperature was recorded every 1 min for 2 h. Tested insulation systems (Ultrathin reflective foil, LESS, HPMK, Blizzard, Mediwrap, Ferno) were placed consecutively between the manikin and the mattress. Values of heat balance associated with each insulating system as well as with a reference model without insulation were compared. A total of 21 measurements were included in analysis. Heat balance differed significantly between the analyzed systems (p < 0.05). The highest heat loss was observed for the ultrathin reflective foil (Q= -1994.16 kJ; SD ± 97.8), and the lowest for the Ferno system (Q= -527.48 kJ; SD ± 56.7). The value of heat loss correlated with the thickness of the insulation system (r = 0.72) without statistical significance. A single layer of ultrathin metalized foil does not reduce significantly the heat loss by conduction.
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