What makes the Water Jel Fire Blanket different from a standard fire blanket?
Standard fire blankets smother flames by excluding oxygen but provide no cooling or ongoing wound protection. The Water Jel® Fire Blanket combines a 100% worsted wool carrier with a patented water-based, bacteriostatic gel that absorbs up to 12–13 times the wool's own weight. This gel simultaneously extinguishes flames, stops burn progression by removing heat from the wound surface, cools and eases pain for sustained patient comfort, and shields the patient from airborne bacterial contamination — four functions in one application that no dry fire blanket can replicate.
How does the Water Jel Fire Blanket canister mount and deploy?
The Fire Blanket Plus canister features a built-in handle and is compatible with the Water Jel wall-mounting bracket (TM-10), allowing it to be mounted in a fixed location at fire stations, industrial workstations, EMS vehicles, or emergency response positions. Deployment is designed for one-handed retrieval: grasp the handle, remove from the mount, open the canister, and apply the blanket to the victim in a single smooth motion. No tools, no assembly, and no preparation steps are required.
What is the shelf life of the Water Jel Fire Blanket?
The Water Jel Fire Blanket Plus has a 5-year shelf life from the date of manufacture. The canister packaging maintains the gel saturation of the wool blanket throughout this period without drying out or losing effectiveness. Shelf life should be verified at the time of purchase and tracked during routine first aid and emergency equipment inspections. Refill blanket packs (SKU: G7260O-4, 4-pack) are available for facilities with existing canisters to minimize restocking costs.
Can the Water Jel Fire Blanket be used to protect a rescuer from heat and flames?
Yes. Water Jel Fire Blankets can be used by rescuers to shield themselves from radiant heat and direct flame contact during patient extraction from fire environments. The gel-saturated wool provides a temporary thermal barrier that allows rescuers to approach burning victims or pass through smoke and flame for brief periods. This dual rescuer/victim protection capability is one reason Water Jel blankets are standard equipment on fire apparatus worldwide.
Is the Water Jel gel formula safe for direct patient contact?
Yes. The Water Jel formula is water-based, water-soluble, non-toxic, and biodegradable — safe for direct and extended contact with burned skin and mucous membranes. The bacteriostatic properties actively inhibit bacterial growth at the wound surface throughout patient packaging and transport. It does not contain harsh chemicals, solvents, or irritants, and is suitable for use on patients of all ages including children.
