The 15 Best Emergency Blankets Reviews & Guide 2019

Outdoor trips are fun but you never know when bad weather can ruin the day. That’s why you should always be prepared for this kind of situations and have an emergency blanket with yourself.

Emergency blankets have become an essential outdoor kit. The main purpose of the emergency blanket is to retain the heat and keep your body warm. Most of them do this by reflecting the heat and not producing it.

This way they also protect you from hypothermia, a condition in which your body temperature is so low that it can cause serious medical conditions.

Emergency blankets can also have other features like heat production, water and wind resistance. Most of them can also be used as a shelter or ground cover.

There are so many emergency blankets on the market that vary in both price and quality. In order to make your choice easier, I’ve made a list with some of the best emergency blankets available on the market.

Top 15 Best Emergency Blankets To Keep You Safe From Elements

Primacare HB-10 Emergency Foil Mylar Thermal Blanket (Pack of 10), 52" Length x 84" Width

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This thick and durable emergency blanket made by Primacare is designed to protect from all weather conditions. It is designed to reflect the heat back to the body in cold weather but also deflect the heat from Sun in the Summer.

The blanket is made of thick Mylar foil which is tough and waterproof, providing protection in even the harshest outdoor conditions. There's also a Mylar insert for insulation and additional thermal regulation.

SnugPak Jungle Blanket Survival Blanket Polyester

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This emergency blanket made by SnugPak is a little different than other basic emergency blankets available on the market.

The Jungle Blanket uses Travelsoft insulation that provides both functionality and compactness. It's made of ultra lightweight and high loft fibers that can be compressed into a small, compact size for lightweight traveling while providing great thermal regulation.

In addition to being windproof and waterproof, Jungle Blanket also has antimicrobial and antibacterial features so you don't have to worry about outdoor infections.

Arcturus 80% Heavy Military Wool Blanket - 4 lbs, Warm, 64" x 88”

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If you're looking for an emergency blanket that is specially designed for harsh, cold weather conditions that won't eat your wallet for lunch, Arcturus Military Wool Blanket can be a great choice.

With the size of 66 x 88 inches, it can accommodate even 2 people but only if they're average sized.

The blanket is primarily made of wool, while the remainder of it is made of hypoallergenic synthetic fibers. Wool is a great material for cold weather since it can keep you warm even when it's wet.

The weight of around 4 pounds makes ks heavier than most emergency blankets but it will keep you warm in almost any weather condition.

Swiss Safe Emergency Mylar Thermal Blankets (4-Pack)

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This multi-purpose thermal blanket made by Swiss Safe is a perfect companion for outdoor activities and emergencies. It can be used as a ground cover, sleeping bag liner, or to prevent hypothermia and shock in extreme weather conditions.

The advanced aluminized dual-sided is designed to retain more than 90% of body heat while being both water and windproof.

The blanket comes in various different colors that will keep you visible in every possible scenario.

Mylar Men's Emergency Thermal Blankets (10 Pack)

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Mylar Men's thermal blanket is made of durable insulation Mylar material which retains 90% of the heat, perfect for all weather conditions. This material is also less prone to cracks, mildews and shirking.

The blanket is 84 inches long and 52 inches wide so it can wrap around you safe and secure and protect you from cold weather.

Hygiene and infections can be a big problem outdoors but not with this blanket. You will worry less about them thanks to antimicrobial and antibacterial features of this blanket. Also, wet and windy weather shouldn't be a problem since it is both wind and waterproof.

Grabber Outdoors Original Space Brand All Weather Blanket

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Grabber’s All Weather Blanket is a perfect companion for your next outdoor adventure.

The manufacturer used four-layer construction of super-insulating materials that reflect and retain more than 80% of radiated body heat. It has fully tapped edges and grommets so it can also be used as a tarp or a ground cloth.

The fiber scrim and aluminized plastic used for this blanket make it tougher and more durable than its rivals. Also, you don't have to worry about water and wind since it's moisture and windproof.

Thanks to its size and weight, it can be easily carried and stored without taking up too much space.

This emergency blanket by Grabber comes in 4 colors - orange, red, olive green and blue.

S.O.L. Survive Outdoors Longer 90 Percent Heat Reflective Emergency Blanket

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This emergency blanket is designed to not only retain and reflect heat but withstand multiple uses.

The blanket is made of materials that are more durable than ordinary emergency blankets made of Myler. Thanks to these materials, this emergency blanket made by S.O.L. is puncture resistant and stretchy so it won't shred if it gets nicked or torn.

Unlike other polyester emergency blankets which make noise in the wind, this emergency blanket is quiet and won't make any unpleasant sounds.

The blanket has an orange exterior which makes it easy for rescuers to find you in an emergency.

Titan Two-Sided Mylar Emergency Survival Space Blankets, 5-Pack

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Titan is a manufacturer that provides innovative, high-quality, outdoor survival gear and tactical products that won’t let you down in any kind of emergency. Their emergency blanket is no different.

The package includes 5 individually wrapped and sealed blankets that can be easily stored and carried. The packaging is so compact that you can carry it in your pocket.

Once you unfold the packaging, you get the blanket which is made of durable advanced aluminized Mylar which was originally designed for space exploration by NASA.

In addition to keeping you warm in cold weather, this blanket can also act as a ground cover, rescue or distress beacons, poncho, tarp, and a shade. Moreover, you don’t have to worry about liquids and wind since it is both water and wind resistant.

Tact Bivvy Compact Ultra Lightweight Sleeping Bag

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Most emergency blankets come wrapped in a package that can’t be reused so you need to find an alternative way to carry your blanket after use. However, this emergency blanket comes with a tiny stuff sack so you can carry it with yourself wherever you go.

When the blanket is compressed in the included stuff sack, it’s so small that it can fit in the palm of your hand.

The blanket is made of ultra-lightweight and thin HeatEcho reflective polyester film. It is surprisingly durable for a blanket this light and thin. Similar to other emergency blankets, it is also water, wind, and tear resistant.

Premium Life Emergency Mylar Blanket

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If you’re looking for a cheap and basic emergency blanket for one-time use, this blanket by Premium Life can be a great option.

This product comes with 12 individually packed emergency blankets for the price of just 10 USD. They’re compact enough to carry them with yourself wherever you go.

The blanket is made of Mylar which is extremely thin but that is expected since they’re designed to be used just once. Also, don’t expect them to reflect and retain as much body heat as other, more expensive alternatives that are made of thicker materials.

Down Uned Outdoors Premium Large Waterproof, Windproof, Quilted Fleece Stadium Blanket

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With this blanket, the manufacturer claims that you’ll never fear the cold and windy weather again.

The blanket has two sides with different features and purposes. One is a blue polyester side that is wind and water resistant while the other is a gray 250 gsm anti-pill polar fleece that will give you a cozy feel.

Unfortunately, the soft plush fleece side is not water resistant so you need to be careful which side you’re using. However, there is a special coating sprayed between the 2 layers to stop the water penetrating from the blue side, making it waterproof in most situations.

The blanket can be rolled like a sleeping bag so you can carry it with yourself easily. Moreover, there’s a carrying bag included for portability and easier storage.

Liberty Mountain Space All Weather Blanket

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If you’re looking for an affordable yet functional emergency blanket, this is a good option. The Space All-Weather Blanket by Liberty Mountain has a tarp-like material on one side and aluminized material on the other side, providing great heat reflection and retention as well as water and wind resistance.

The blanket is thick enough to withstand multiple uses and last longer. It can also be used as an excellent ground cover since it has grommets in all corners for additional stability.

The blanket measures 5 ft. x 7 ft. and weights 12 oz. It might not be the most portable blanket when folded and it doesn’t have a carrying bag included but it is one of the most durable and strong emergency blankets available on the market.

Emergency Blankets with Bonus Fire Striker

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If you’re looking for a larger than usual emergency blanket that can fit more than one adult, this can be a great option.

The product comes in a package of 5 or 10 emergency blankets, all individually wrapped in a small, compact package that you can carry easily wherever you go. The package is so small that it can fit in the palm of your hand easily.

Similar to other emergency blankets, it is made of NASA-developed Mylar material that can retain and reflect up to 90% of heat. In addition to being a blanket, this product can also act as a ground cover, shelter etc.

It will keep you dry, warm and safe in almost every weather condition. Since emergency blankets are usually used outdoors, there is also a fire striker included in the package.

Coghlan's Emergency Poncho

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Emergency blankets can be used as ponchos but that can be impractical if they’re not designed for that. That’s why Coghlan designed a poncho-style emergency blanket.

This poncho-style emergency blanket is made from a composite layering of polyethylene and metalized aluminum for maximum heat retention and reflection. It will make you warm in every possible weather condition.

The poncho also has a hood and reinforced seams for maximum mobility in emergency situations. It’s also water resistant but this feature isn’t that useful since it doesn’t cover your whole body.

UST Survival Blanket

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Thanks to its various features, UST’s emergency blanket is a great addition to an emergency kit. It is made of durable, 3-ply construction of polyethylene, reinforced fabric and metalized polyester that is both water and wind resistant.

The blanket has the grommets on all sides so you can lash ropes and make it as a lean-to shelter. It can also be used as a ground cloth to reflect the heat upwards or as a wrapping for a frozen food to prevent melting.

The surface of the blanket is highly visible and reflective so it can be used as a signal in an emergency situation. The blanket can be rolled easily for convenient carrying but it would be better if they’ve included a carrying bag in the package.

Kangaroo Emergency Thermal Blankets

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Kangaroo’s emergency blanket comes in a pack of 10. It is the most basic emergency blanket that is more suited for one use.

The blanket provides convenient and easy protection in cold or warm weather by retaining or reflecting the heat. It is also water and wind resistant, making it a perfect companion for windy and wet weather conditions.

The size of each blanket when opened is 54 x 84 inches so it can fit one adult or two children easily. The manufacturer didn’t specify the type of material used for the blanket but it says that it is one of the best waterproof materials available on the market.

Conclusion

Each emergency blanket from the list does its purpose and that is to keep you warm. However, most of them have some other additional features that make them even more useful.

In the end, it all depends on your needs. I just hope that I’ve made your choice easier with my list and that you’ve bought the right emergency blanket for you and your needs.

Source: https://thingsnurseslike.com/best-emergency-blankets/

Top 18 Best Reflex Hammers for Nurses Reviews & Buying Guide 2019

Reflex hammer is an important medical tool, especially for doctors and nurses who are working at the Department of Neurology.

It is primarily used to test various superficial and deep muscle, tendon and skin reflexes for quick identification of neurological conditions. You can also check bone fractures and some other medical conditions.

There are various reflex hammers available on the market that vary in quality and price. That’s why I’ve made my list with some of the best reflex hammers on the market.

The 18 Best Reflex Hammers for Nurses

#1 MDF Trömner Hammer - HDP Handle

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This versatile 4-in-1 dual mallet-type reflex hammer is designed to effectively elicit various reflexes. The head is made of chrome-plated zinc alloy while the HDP handle is lightweight and precisely balanced for improved ergonomics and better control when eliciting reflexes.

The head is outfitted with both large and small mallets made of soft silicone for precise tendon percussion. There’s also a pointed tip at the bottom of the handle for eliciting Babinski reflex on toes. On the other side of the tip, there is a brush which is revealed after you unscrew the tip.

#2 ADC Taylor Neuro Hammer

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American Diagnostic is a brand known for various different medical tools and supplies. If you’re looking for a cheap reflex hammer, this can be a great option.

The ADC Taylor Neuro Hammer has a handle made of chrome with triangular synthetic rubber head for eliciting reflexes. Although the hammer doesn’t have a Babinski-style tip on the bottom of the handle, the bottom is pointed and sharp so it can also be used for eliciting reflexes.

The hammer is 7.5 inches long and comes in 6 different colors, including an all-black variant with a black handle.

#3 Prestige Medical Taylor Percussion Hammer

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The Prestige Medical Taylor Percussion Hammer is a great tool to check reflexes and fractures. It has a chrome-made handle that is 7.5 inches long with a triangular rubber head on top. The bottom half of the handle is wider so it can rest in the palm of the hand easily.

The tip of the hammer’s handle is pointed and intended to be used for superficial and cutaneous reflexes. The weight and size of this hammer are perfect for getting a precise hit while doing a reflex examination.

#4 MDF Babinski Telescoping 2.0 Neurological Reflex Hammer

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This is another great reflex hammer from MDF which features a durable telescoping handle. Because one size doesn’t fit all, they’ve made a handle that has a changeable length. The telescoping handle allows a more flexible reach when eliciting reflexes on different body parts.

The articulating head of this hammer is a disc made of chrome-plated brass covered with silicone bumper for increased patient comfort. The head is lightweight so you can strike precisely and with ease.

Just like their Tromner Reflex Hammer, the bottom has a Babinski-style tip as well as the brush for finer cutaneous and superficial responses.

#5 Healthstar Buck Neurological Reflexes Testing Hammer with Needle and Brush

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This reflex hammer made by Healthstar has a dual-sided head with different-sized mallets for more precise percussion. There is a bigger mallet on one side and a smaller one on the other side. Larger mallet is intended for stretch reflexes while the smaller one is for myotonia elicitation.

The bottom of the stainless steel handle has the mini screw-on brush which is discreetly hidden and stored in a built-in compartment. There’s also a needle included for more precise reflex testings.

#6 ADC Tromner Neurological Reflex Hammer with Built-in Brush

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The ADC Tromner Hammer is a versatile instrument that has a chrome-plated head with two silicone rubber mallets for more precise reflex exams. The weight of this hammer is nicely balanced and distributed for better ergonomics and easier use.

The bottom of the lightweight handle conceals a screw-in brush for superficial and cutaneous reflexes. With the overall length of 8.5 inches, it’s longer than many reflex hammers, allowing you an easier approach to the patient when doing examinations.

#7 MDF Queen Square Neurological Reflex Hammer

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Another great reflex hammer made by MDF with some additional and upgraded features. The manufacturer claims that it has redesigned the chrome-plated head and made a softer silicone bumper for more comfortable and effective testing.

The nylon plastic-made handle is long and flexible so you can have an optimal testing strike when eliciting reflexes. The bottom part of the handle also has a removable grip which will improve ergonomics and provide better control.

The far end of the handle ends with a tapered point which is suited for plantar and abdominal reflexes. It can also be used in visual field tests since it is colored in bright red.

#8 Precise Canada Buck Hammer Pink

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If you’re one of those nurses who care about the design and color of their medical tools and is looking for something more girly and pink, this hammer can be a great option. It has all of the features of a reflex hammer but comes in a nice pink color.

This pink-colored hammer has everything you need for reflex examinations. The whole hammer feels sturdy thanks to solid chrome steel material used. The dual-sided head has a needle on the top, while the bottom hides a brush for more precise reflex elicitation.

#9 Elite Medical Instruments Platinum Series Tromner Neurological Hammer

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EMI’s reflex handle is designed with maximum precision and care. The weight of this hammer is nicely balanced and distributed for better ergonomics and it has a long handle for an easier approach.

It can accurately and effectively elicit almost any type of reflex thanks to its dual-mallet head and Babinski-type tip at the base of the handle. The tip also hides a built-in brush which is intended for cutaneous and superficial reflexes.

#10 MDF Professional-Grade Taylor 2.0 Neurological Reflex Hammer

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The MDF’s Taylor neurological reflex hammer is a great tool for percussion and eliciting reflexes. Unlike other traditional Taylor reflex hammers, this hammer has a much longer handle so you can have the right approach to perform tests easily.

The triangular mallet has the right weight for correct contact resistance and more effective testing of muscle stretch reflexes. It can also be used for provoking myotatic responses, obtaining chest sounds, and percussing the abdomen.

Also, the patient won’t feel uncomfortable thanks to the sandblasted silicone head with a soft base and rounded apex.

#11 Elite Medical Instruments 2-piece Reflex Hammer Set.

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If you’re not sure which type of reflex hammer suits you more, maybe you should consider getting this 2-piece reflex hammer set by Elite Medical Instruments. The set comes with 2 different types of reflex hammers - Taylor-type and Buck-type.

The Buck-type hammer features a dual-sided head with different-sized mallets. The handle of this hammer is made of chrome and included removable need and brush on the bottom.

The Taylor-type hammer has a triangle rubber head on a chrome handle which is 7.5 inches long. This type of hammer is usually used to test bone fractures or joint reflexes.

#12 Ever Ready Group Neurological Reflex Taylor Percussion Hammer

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This neurological hammer is a great value for the price since you get two reflex hammers for the price of one.

The triangle head made of thermo-plastic-rubber has a beveled apex and base that will provoke myotatic responses more precisely. Also, the head is designed so it can be used for obtaining chest sounds or abdomen percussion.

The far end of the handle is pointed so it can be used for Babinski and other reflexes that require a sharper tool.

#13 Prestige Medical Ergonomic Diagnostic Hammer

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This reflex hammer made by Prestige Medical is all about ergonomics. The metal handle is curved for better handling and ergonomics. The hammer rests nicely in your hand and there is also a concave sphere in the lower part of the handle for better grip.

The Prestige Medical Ergonomic Diagnostic Hammer is also equipped with a unique retracting filament for testing the nervous system responses.

If you’re looking for a great Taylor-type reflex hammer that has great ergonomics, this reflex hammer is a great option to consider.

#14 Zellamed Pediatric Reflex Hammer

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If you’re working in a pediatric department, you know how kids can be scared from basic neurological hammers. Moreover, most of them are too big and heavy so you may hurt the child. This is when a Pediatric Reflex Hammer by Zellamed can be helpful.

Unlike other basic reflex hammers, The Zellamed Pediatric Reflex Hammer has a smaller and lighter head, perfect for use on infants and children. The whole hammer is designed to look like a clown so kids won’t be scared from it.

There is only one rubber mallet but that is expected since you don’t need a bigger one as you need for adults. The handle has a sharp tip on the bottom for exams that require more precise, sharper tool.

#15 Elite Medical Instruments Buck Neurogical Hammer

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This is a Buck-type reflex hammer made by Elite Medical Instruments, a company known for various high-quality medical tools and supplies.

The hammer features a dual rubber head for reflex testing and a chrome plated handle that has a removable needle and brush. The metallic handle has a lower half that is thicker for better grip and handling.

#16 Zorvo Neurological Reflex Buck Hammer

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This mallet-type hammer made by Zorvo has two mallets made of soft TPR for comfortable and precise tendon percussion. The mallets have different sizes- one is larger while the other is smaller.

The handle has a retractable brush hidden in the bottom and it is used as an additional stimulus for cutaneous reflexes. There-s also a screw-in pointed tip for pinprick test of cutaneous reflexes.

#17 Newsfana Medical Hammer

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The Newsfana Medical Hammer is a 4-in-1 product that can be used for a variety of neurological tests. The head has two mallets of different size that are made of rubberized material for more comfortable and precise tests.

The handle has a flat but narrower bottom half for better grip and there’s a pointed tip on the bottom too. This tip can be used for superficial and cutaneous reflexes which require additional precision.

The hammer is 8.46 inches long and comes in 4 different colors. However, you can’t choose colors since they’re randomly sent to the customer.

#18 Prestige Medical Supplies 'Queen Square Hammer'

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Developed at the National Hospital for Neurology in Queen Square London, this reflex hammer by Prestige Medical is a perfect tool for eliciting a wide variety of reflexes.

The disc-shaped head has a bumper ring made of durable and soft PVC plastic for comfortable examinations while the tapered base of the handle allows you to easily do the plantar reflex testing.

Conclusion

As you can see from my list, there are various reflex hammers on the market that have different features and prices. Some of them are more feature-packed but pricier while others are more basic and cheaper.

In my opinion, it is better to have a more basic reflex hammer that does the job right than getting a feature-packed product that isn’t useful.

On this list, you can only find products that are high-quality and useful so you’re not going to regret whatever choice you make.

Read more about our best stethoscope for nurses here

Source: https://thingsnurseslike.com/best-reflex-hammers/