Like most school work, project topics for Product Design students aren't always terribly exciting (though it's a field where we get hype about tire tread patterns and tea kettle shape... so maybe I'm the jerk). So when a cool prompt gets met with both enthusiasm and sharp thinking, I get happy vicariously. The Pre-Hospital Hypothermia Rewarming Bag might sound a little dry, but it's a fun foray into well-informed problem solving. 

The project was posted by Alisa Yao, a student at Kwantlen Polytechnic University. The team's brief was to design a more affordable, safe and effective method for heat stabilizing exposure victims after rescue and before hospitalization. Could they come up with something better than tarps? Clearly, yes.

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Their work called on the expertise of several industry heads, including an R&D director at a clothing company for extreme conditions, a researcher working on human physiology in extreme environments, and a ski patrol search and rescue professional. Gleaning the pros and cons of regularly used tools, the team came up with a series of prototypes that aim to fit a wide range of body types, give adequate access to the body for medical care and equipment, all while insulating strategically.

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The final iteration resembles an interesting mix of low temp sleeping bag and lightweight backpack design. The hood and sides offer compression for a tighter air pocket, the front panel opens for IV or CPR access, padding is increased in high vulnerability areas, and the foot can be rolled up and snapped in place with carabiners. 

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Given the team's lack of access to some of the tools they'd have liked, it looks like they made good with the materials and tech on hand—like opting for Bemis seams in place of a RF welder. The finished prototype is getting handed off to peers in the Technical Apparel program for testing. All in all, it feels like a great prompt handled pragmatically, and (dare I say) even stylishly.