Hypothermia Prevention Kit: When and How to Use HPMK

By Products With A Mission | North American Rescue | Published: 2026-10-27

Category: How-to Guides

Learn when to deploy a hypothermia prevention kit and how to use the NAR HPMK effectively in cold-weather field emergencies.

Quick Answer

Use the NAR Hypothermia Prevention and Management Kit (HPMK) when a casualty is exposed to cold, wet, or windy conditions and shows early signs of hypothermia—shivering, confusion, or loss of coordination. Deploy it immediately after addressing life-threatening bleeding and airway issues.

When to Reach for the HPMK

Hypothermia can set in quickly during tactical operations, extended outdoor missions, or vehicle breakdowns in cold weather. The key is recognizing the early signs: uncontrollable shivering, cold pale skin, slowed movements, and mental confusion. Once you suspect hypothermia, the window for effective prevention is narrow—act before shivering stops, which signals a drop to a more dangerous core temperature.

The NAR HPMK is not a treatment for severe hypothermia (unconscious, no shivering, weak pulse). In those cases, handle the casualty gently—rough movement can trigger cardiac arrest—and evacuate immediately while using the kit for passive rewarming and insulation.

Trade-Offs and Limitations

The HPMK is compact and portable, making it easy to stow in a vehicle or backpack, but its supplies are single-use and intended for one casualty. If you are responsible for multiple team members, consider carrying more than one kit or supplementing with extra blankets and heat packs. The kit does not include a heat source for active rewarming (e.g., chemical heat packs or warm fluids), so plan accordingly for prolonged cold exposure.

How to Use the HPMK: Step-by-Step

1. Assess and Move to Shelter: Get the casualty out of wind, rain, or snow. If no shelter is available, create a windbreak using a tarp, vehicle, or natural barrier. Lay the casualty on an insulating surface (not directly on cold ground). Common mistake: Leaving the casualty exposed while you unpack the kit. Shelter first, then treat.
2. Remove Wet Clothing and Replace with Dry Layers: Cut or remove any wet clothing gently. Dry the skin if possible, then put on dry insulating layers from the kit or your pack. Cover the head with the provided hood or beanie to reduce heat loss. Checkpoint: Do not rub or massage the skin—this can cause further heat loss and tissue damage in cold injuries.
3. Apply the Hypothermia Prevention Blanket: Wrap the casualty in the included reflective or waterproof blanket, ensuring it covers the head, torso, and extremities. Tuck the edges in to trap warm air. If using a vapor-proof barrier, place it over the insulating layer. Common mistake: Wrapping too loosely so heat escapes. Secure the blanket snugly without restricting breathing.
4. Activate and Place Heat Packs (if included): If the kit contains chemical heat packs, shake or activate them according to the instructions. Place them on the chest, armpits, and groin—areas with high heat transfer. Never place heat packs directly on bare skin; use a cloth barrier. Checkpoint: Do not place heat packs on the extremities (hands, feet) first—this can drive cold blood toward the core and worsen afterdrop.
5. Monitor and Evacuate if Needed: Watch for signs of improvement: return of shivering, clearer thinking, and warmer skin. If the casualty remains confused, unconscious, or stops shivering, evacuate to advanced medical care while maintaining the insulation and heat packs. Common mistake: Assuming the casualty is fine once wrapped. Continue monitoring mental status and body temperature for at least 30 minutes.

Featured Product

NAR Hypothermia Prevention and Management Kit (HPMK): The NAR Hypothermia Prevention and Management Kit (HPMK) provides essential components for hypothermia prevention and initial management in a compact, portable design suitable for storage in emergency kits or vehicles. This means you can keep it in your go-bag or vehicle without sacrificing space, and have the critical items—blanket, head cover, hand warmers, and instructions—ready when minutes count.
NAR Hypothermia Prevention and Management Kit (HPMK)