TacMed HELIOS System
Ultra-compact, modular hypothermia prevention system — Standard and Active Warming versions.
What is the TacMed HELIOS System? An ultra-compact, modular hypothermia prevention system from Tactical Medical Solutions. The Standard configuration provides passive two-layer thermal coverage (adjustable top cover and bottom sheet); the Active Warming version adds a Medi-Heat air-activated heating pad providing up to 12 hours of active warming. Packaged 10″ × 7″ × 3″, 1.5 lbs. NSN 7210-01-614-5894.
Key Specifications
| Manufacturer | Tactical Medical Solutions (TacMed) |
| SKU — Standard | MEDTAC0413 |
| SKU — Active Warming | MEDTAC0414 |
| NSN | 7210-01-614-5894 |
| Packaged Dimensions | 10″ × 7″ × 3″ |
| Packaged Weight | 1.5 lbs |
| Heating Pad Size (Active) | 9″ × 13″ |
| Active Warming Duration | Up to 12 hours (Medi-Heat air-activated) |
| Blanket Anchors | Included — secure to litter against rotor wash and wind |
| Triage Card Pocket | High-visibility pocket for triage cards |
| Patient Access | Complete casualty access maintained during warming |
What It Is
Hypothermia is a component of the lethal triad in trauma (acidosis, hypothermia, coagulopathy), and its prevention must begin at the point of injury. The TacMed HELIOS System was developed to give care providers an ultra-compact, modular thermal management solution that maintains patient accessibility — a critical design requirement in tactical scenarios where ongoing treatment, IV access, monitoring, and reassessment must continue while the patient is being warmed.
The Standard HELIOS provides passive two-layer coverage: a bottom sheet and a top cover create an insulating envelope around the casualty, reducing conductive heat loss to the litter surface and reflective heat loss to the environment. The two-piece modular design lets providers adjust coverage based on the tactical situation — rapid application of the full system when the situation permits, or partial coverage when speed or access constraints require a quicker deployment.
The Active Warming version adds the Medi-Heat air-activated heating pad (9″ × 13″), activated by removing it from its oxygen-free packaging so atmospheric oxygen triggers an exothermic reaction generating sustained heat for up to 12 hours. This is critical for casualties who have already become hypothermic or who are at high risk of hypothermic deterioration during prolonged evacuation. Blanket anchors secure the HELIOS to most litters and prevent displacement from rotor wash or vehicle movement — a feature designed for MEDEVAC and helicopter transport.
See also the head & hypothermia prevention collection, the TacMed Emergency Bivvy, and the Ready Heat Blanket.
WHO USES THE HELIOS SYSTEM — AND WHEN
- Combat medics and 18D Special Forces Medical Sergeants — field hypothermia prevention during CASEVAC; the HELIOS anchors to litters to resist rotor wash on MEDEVAC flights
- Rescue Task Force (RTF) medical personnel — patient packaging for evacuation after active shooter or hostile event; blanket anchors secure the HELIOS during vehicle movement
- Tactical EMS and TEMS providers — pre-hospital hypothermia prevention for trauma patients awaiting air or ground transport in cold environments
- Mass casualty incident response — compact 10″×7″×3″ packaging means multiple HELIOS units can be pre-staged in RTF bags, vehicle compartments, or CASEVAC packs without occupying large storage footprint
- Prolonged Field Care (PFC) scenarios — the Active Warming version's Medi-Heat pad provides up to 12 hours of active heat, covering extended evacuation timelines where passive insulation alone is insufficient
HELIOS STANDARD VS. ACTIVE WARMING — AND VS. ALTERNATIVES
Choosing between Standard (passive) and Active Warming:
- HELIOS Standard (MEDTAC0413): Passive retention — retains body heat, prevents further loss. Correct choice when casualty is normothermic or mildly hypothermic and evacuation time is short.
- HELIOS Active Warming (MEDTAC0414): Adds Medi-Heat 9″×13″ heating pad, air-activated for up to 12 hours. Required when casualty is already hypothermic or at high risk during prolonged evacuation in cold environments. Pad activates on removal from packaging — do not open until ready to apply.
HELIOS vs. single-piece sleeping bag systems:
- Single-piece systems require fully repositioning the patient for IV access, wound reassessment, or airway management — compromising thermal protection during care. The HELIOS two-piece modular design allows complete patient access without removing the system.
- Blanket anchors on the HELIOS secure it to standard litter rails — preventing displacement during MEDEVAC rotor wash. Standard emergency blankets have no litter-attachment capability.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: Does the HELIOS System address the 'lethal triad' in trauma?
A: 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.
Q: Is the HELIOS System approved for military use?
A: 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.
Q: Can the HELIOS be used on any litter platform?
A: 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.
Related searches: hypothermia prevention kit, casualty warming system, HPMK alternative, Medi-Heat blanket, litter warming cover.
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.
Available Options:
- Standard
- Active Warming
Specifications coming soon. Contact us for detailed product information.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
