Emergency blanket: which side should face out?
To retain warmth, the German Red Cross recommends silver towards the body and gold facing out. Clothing, the ground and the intended use also matter.
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Gold or silver: which side faces out?
To retain warmth: silver inside, gold outside. This is the recommendation of the German Red Cross, Neuwied district association. Clothing should separate the skin from the foil.
The Alpenverein Südtirol takes a different view of the sides: it describes both orientations as effective for retaining warmth. This does not guarantee identical performance for every product. It does explain why a reversed blanket should not automatically be considered ineffective. Your particular model's manufacturer instructions remain the reference for its use.
| Purpose | Orientation and use | Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Retaining warmth | German Red Cross recommendation: silver towards the body, gold outwards. | Additional clothing and a suitable insulating ground layer remain important. |
| Protection from direct sun | Stretch out to create shade; follow the manufacturer's instructions for the side. | Shade is not active cooling and does not mean wrapping an overheated person. |
This distinction between retaining warmth and creating shade draws on the German Red Cross and the basic first aid measures from the Austrian Youth Red Cross. The information sheet specifies no side colour for sun protection.
How an emergency blanket limits heat loss
The metallised foil reflects thermal radiation. It generates no heat itself. The Deutscher Alpenverein describes it as a reflective layer and a vapour barrier. Wind, moisture and clothing also affect heat loss; simply laying the foil over someone is not a complete approach to protection.
Clothing and an insulating ground layer serve their own purposes. The foil complements this equipment. A reflectivity figure therefore cannot directly tell you how much body heat will be retained in a particular situation.
What matters when using a blanket to retain warmth
These five points help you refresh your knowledge and check your supplies. They do not replace first aid training:
- Purpose and instructions: Is the aim to retain warmth or create shade? Match the original instructions to the exact item before adding it to your supplies.
- Clothing layer: According to the German Red Cross, the foil should not rest directly on bare skin.
- Ground: Plan for a suitable insulating ground layer. The Deutscher Alpenverein lists it separately as protection from cold ground.
- Foil condition: Look for tears and holes when preparing the blanket. The Alpenverein Südtirol notes that the thin foil can tear in adverse conditions.
- Airways: Keep the face, mouth and nose clear. This safety precaution also appears in Relags' user instructions for its Origin Outdoors emergency blanket.
Avoid unnecessary movement of anyone with suspected hypothermia. The Deutscher Alpenverein explains the associated risks.
Using an emergency blanket as a sunshade
The Austrian Youth Red Cross describes stretching out a blanket or foil emergency blanket to protect against direct sunlight. This means creating shade with space between the blanket and the body.
Do not wrap an overheated person in foil for sun protection. For its Origin Outdoors emergency blanket, Relags also specifies stretching it out rather than wrapping the person. Turning the blanket over does not switch on a cooling function. The Austrian Red Cross treats creating shade with a foil blanket and cooling as separate measures.
The Youth Red Cross information sheet does not establish which side should face the sun. Check your model's original instructions. Corresponding original instructions for the HaseMed emergency blanket are currently unconfirmed. The Relags instructions apply to another product and do not replace them.
The limits of thin foil
An emergency blanket does not replace warm clothing, an insulating ground layer or appropriate outdoor equipment. The Deutscher Alpenverein considers retaining warmth a combination of equipment and protection from the surroundings.
If you suspect hypothermia, contact local emergency services. Calling for emergency help is among the first aid measures listed by the German Red Cross. An emergency blanket does not replace necessary medical care.
For help choosing pads for local cold or heat applications, see the separate guide to hot-cold compresses and instant cold packs.
Storing your blanket and checking supplies
A fixed location makes the blanket easier to find, such as its designated compartment in a first aid bag. Keep the item identification, packaging and instructions together. Check the packaging's condition and follow any manufacturer storage instructions and any stated expiry date. No universal shelf life is given here.
For workplace first aid kits in Germany, the Deutsche Gesetzliche Unfallversicherung, FAQ 9.1, recommends assigning suitable people to check the contents regularly and replenish supplies as needed. This does not establish a fixed inspection interval or permission to reuse emergency blankets.
Copy and complete this line for your stock list:
Item: ______ · Quantity: ______ · Storage location: ______ · Condition: ______ · Check date: ______ · Responsible person: ______
After an item is removed, record whether a replacement is needed and who will organise it. For shared bags, also decide where the bag should be returned after an outing.
HaseMed emergency blanket: details for choosing a product
When comparing models, consider unfolded dimensions, packed dimensions, pack contents, item number and manufacturer instructions together. The following product details are available for the HaseMed emergency blanket:
HaseMed gold/silver emergency blanket
- Finish according to the product name: gold/silver
- Stated unfolded dimensions: 160 × 210 cm
- Item number: HAS-12
The dimensions come from the product description. Packed dimensions, quantity per pack, exact material specification and original instructions for use are currently unconfirmed. Clarify these details before choosing and follow the instructions for the specific item.
See the product page for current details and availability.
Find other items under Compresses & First Aid. For several locations, list the items, quantities and intended locations, then enquire about supplies for your club or workplace.
Frequently asked questions about emergency blankets
Which side of an emergency blanket goes towards the body?
The German Red Cross recommendation for retaining warmth is silver towards the body and gold outwards. The Alpenverein Südtirol describes both orientations as effective. Follow the instructions for your particular model.
Is an emergency blanket ineffective if used the wrong way round?
That cannot be claimed as a general rule. While the German Red Cross recommends a side, the Alpenverein Südtirol describes heat retention in both orientations. This does not prove identical performance across all products.
Can an emergency blanket actively warm the body?
The foil generates no heat. It helps limit heat loss. The Deutscher Alpenverein describes it as a reflective layer and vapour barrier, supplemented by other equipment.
Can I use an emergency blanket in hot conditions?
The Austrian Youth Red Cross describes stretching one out to create shade. Do not wrap an overheated person for this purpose; Relags' instructions for another model also require stretching it out instead of wrapping. Turning it over does not actively cool. The Youth Red Cross specifies no side colour.
Is an emergency blanket enough to insulate against cold ground?
Plan for an additional suitable insulating ground layer. The Deutscher Alpenverein lists cold-ground protection separately. Thin foil does not replace this insulation.
Can an emergency blanket be reused?
No general assurance of reuse is given here. Product labelling, condition and manufacturer instructions are decisive. Original instructions allowing reuse of the HaseMed emergency blanket are currently unconfirmed. The DGUV recommendation to check supplies does not authorise reuse.
Sources and further information
The following original sources were checked editorially on 8 September 2026. This is not a medical or clinical expert review.
First aid and supplies management
- DRK Kreisverband Neuwied: Hypothermia. Side orientation, clothing layer and emergency call.
- Deutscher Alpenverein: Hypothermia and frostbite in the mountains. Heat loss, ground and foil limitations.
- Alpenverein Südtirol: The foil emergency blanket. Different assessment of side orientation and fragile foil.
- Austrian Youth Red Cross: Basic measures, information sheet. Stretching out as a sunshade, without specifying a side.
- Austrian Red Cross: Helping after prolonged heat exposure. Shade and cooling as separate measures.
- DGUV: First aid questions and answers, FAQ 9.1. Supplies checks in German workplaces.
Additional manufacturer safety instructions
Relags: User instructions for the Origin Outdoors emergency blanket, German instructions on PDF page 2. Keep the face clear and do not wrap a person for sun protection. Instructions for another product, not HaseMed instructions for use.
HaseMed product information
HaseMed gold/silver emergency blanket: product name, stated dimensions and item number. These details identify the model and are not independent evidence of effectiveness. Unconfirmed details are listed in the product section.