What is the difference between the HELIOS Standard and Active Warming versions?
The HELIOS Standard (MEDTAC0413) is a passive thermal retention system — it uses a two-layer coverage system (bottom sheet and top cover) to insulate the patient and retain body heat without generating additional warmth. The Active Warming version (MEDTAC0414) adds a Medi-Heat air-activated heating pad (9 × 13 inches) that generates active heat for up to 12 hours, making it appropriate for casualties who are already hypothermic or at elevated risk of hypothermic deterioration during prolonged evacuation.
Does the HELIOS System have a military NSN?
Yes. The TacMed™ HELIOS System carries NSN 7210-01-614-5894, confirming its active adoption in U.S. military medical supply chains. It is designed for use in tactical combat casualty care and MEDEVAC scenarios where ultra-compact, mission-proven thermal management is required.
How does the HELIOS System maintain patient access while warming the casualty?
The HELIOS System's modular two-piece design allows providers to maintain complete casualty access during warming. Unlike single-piece sleeping bag systems that require the patient to be repositioned for assessment or intervention, the HELIOS top cover can be opened and reclosed to allow IV access, wound management, airway assessment, and monitoring without removing the thermal system entirely.
What are the blanket anchors on the HELIOS System used for?
The blanket anchors secure the HELIOS System to litter rails and standard military and EMS stretcher systems. They prevent the blanket from being displaced by rotor wash during helicopter MEDEVAC operations or vehicle movement during ground evacuation — a specific design requirement for tactical medical use cases where blanket displacement could compromise patient thermal protection at a critical time.
How long does the Medi-Heat pad in the Active Warming HELIOS last?
The Medi-Heat air-activated heating pad included in the HELIOS Active Warming version generates heat for up to 12 hours once activated by removing it from its sealed oxygen-free packaging. The activation is irreversible, so the pad should only be opened when application to the patient is imminent.
Does the HELIOS System address the 'lethal triad' in trauma?
Yes. Hypothermia is one component of the trauma lethal triad (hypothermia, acidosis, coagulopathy). All three are mutually reinforcing — hypothermia worsens coagulopathy and acidosis, which worsens bleeding, which worsens hypothermia. The HELIOS System targets hypothermia prevention and reversal at the point of injury and during evacuation, when early intervention has the highest impact on triad reversal.
Is the HELIOS System approved for military use?
The HELIOS System carries NSN 7210-01-614-5894, indicating active U.S. military procurement. It is designed to TCCC and MEDEVAC use-case requirements including litter compatibility, compact packaging for tactical carry, and patient accessibility during warming.
Can the HELIOS be used on any litter platform?
The HELIOS System is compatible with most standard military and EMS litter platforms. The integrated blanket anchors secure the system to litter rails and prevent displacement from rotor wash during helicopter MEDEVAC or vehicle movement during ground CASEVAC. It has been designed around the litter environments used in tactical MEDEVAC operations.
