The North American Rescue Heat Reflective Shell (HRS™) is the reinforced outer shell component of the CoTCCC-recommended HPMK system — available as a standalone covering for casualties requiring thermal protection. Constructed of 4-ply composite fabric with a non-conductive reflective layer, it provides 360° isothermal coverage, supports over 250 lb via 1.5-inch continuous Velcro® closures, and features a built-in hood and fluid absorption pad.
Key Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | North American Rescue |
| CoTCCC Status | Component of the CoTCCC-recommended HPMK system |
| Construction | 4-ply composite fabric with non-conductive reflective layer |
| Weight Rating | Supports 250+ lb using 1.5 in. continuous Velcro® closures |
| Access | 360° access via 1.5 in. continuous Velcro® closures |
| Hood | Built-in hood for head and neck coverage |
| Additional Features | Integrated fluid absorption pad; top-to-bottom tapered shape |
| Environmental Resistance | Impervious to wind and rain |
| Application | Complete patient encapsulation; standalone or HPMK outer shell |
Product Overview
The Heat Reflective Shell (HRS™) is North American Rescue's patented thermal covering engineered for the most demanding casualty care environments. As the outer shell component of the CoTCCC-recommended Hypothermia Prevention and Management Kit (HPMK), it is the industry benchmark for field hypothermia prevention in tactical and military medical applications. The HRS is also available as a standalone product for use with existing chemical warming systems or as an upgrade to standard emergency blankets.
The 4-ply composite construction provides a combination of properties unavailable in single-layer thermal coverings: flexibility for easy patient packaging, structural strength to support a fully-loaded patient across multiple layers of Velcro, and the non-conductive reflective layer that provides superior thermal insulation without the bulk of batting or foam. The tapered top-to-bottom shape is not aesthetic — it maximizes isothermal properties by conforming to body geometry and minimizing air gaps that would allow convective heat loss.
The built-in hood extends thermal coverage to the head and cervical region — an area responsible for significant heat loss in trauma patients and often neglected by standard emergency blankets. The integrated fluid absorption pad manages drainage from wounds, IV sites, and airway secretions without compromising the shell's wind and rain resistance. Rapid 360° access via continuous Velcro allows providers to reassess wounds, adjust IV lines, or perform procedures without removing the covering and exposing the patient to further heat loss.
HRS vs. Standard Emergency Blankets
Standard Mylar space blankets provide basic radiant heat reflection but are fragile, easily punctured, noisy, and provide no structural support for patient packaging. The HRS offers reinforced 4-ply construction that withstands the mechanical stress of casualty handling, helicopter loading, and ground transport. Its continuous Velcro closure system enables rapid partial access without full removal — a critical advantage during prolonged field care where ongoing interventions are required without sacrificing thermal protection.
See also: HPMK Full Kit | Head & Hypothermia Prevention | IFAK Kits & First Aid
All products sourced from the actual brand manufacturer or authorized master distributors. CoTCCC recommendation status verified where applicable. Ships from MED-TAC International, Pembroke Pines, FL — clinician-founded, veteran-led, SDVOSB-certified.
Specifications coming soon. Contact us for detailed product information.
