Retmex – NOMEX MODEL

Answer: That depends on the condition of your Retmex after use. The fabric of the Retmex is thin because it should be as compact as possible. Despite the fact that Kevlar is incorporated in the fabric, the fabric will wear out when dragged. The reason is the weight pressure on the thin fabric when evacuating a victim. The surface ultimately has a major influence on the preservation of your rescue blanket. If you slide over stones, bulky concrete or a staircase with perforated steps, the fabric will be damaged more quickly compared to a carpet surface. Therefore, it is possible that you can only use the Retmex only once during a rescue. However, if it has saved a life, it has also done the job. Ultimately there are many different factors that determine the lifespan of the rescue sheet: the surface, the weight of the victim and the skills of the rescuer

Answer: The rescue sheet is held together by a complex and advanced strap system. Even if there is a hole in the fabric of the Retmex as a result of abrasion (friction from dragging), the straps will keep the product together. Therefore, this doesn’t present additional danger.

Answer: Check the Retmex for damage and store it. In case of damage, it is advisable to replace it. Have you also used the Retmex to extinguish fire? Do not use it again and replace with a new one.

Answer: The Retmex Nomex Model is made from a Nomex® and Kevlar blend.

Answer: No, this Retmex cannot be labeled as a fire blanket. There are guidelines that a fire blanket must comply with (e.g. certain dimensions). Since the Retmex has two functions (rescue & extinguishing), it can never be labeled as an official fire blanket. It is therefore not advisable to replace this rescue blanket with your fire blanket in the kitchen. It is mainly used by professional rescuers such as firefighters.

Answer: The Retmex Nomex Model was created for a fire station in the south of the Netherlands. They experienced situations where they had to evacuate unconscious people from burning buildings. Because firefighters often do not have an extraction or evacuation aid available during these kinds of situations, people are often dragged away directly on the floor. When unconscious people are present in a burning building, it has happened that the skin is burned to such an extent that you can hardly or not drag this person away. If you grab the unconscious person and try to drag him/her to a safe zone, you will pull the skin off (as a result of the burns). Thus, this method of extraction is not only difficult, time consuming and terrifying for firefighters, it also causes serious secondary injuries to the victim.

Answer: In the scenario when you need to extract a victim with burns (as described above), this is a plausible claim.

Answer: No. For example, you can choose to equip certain vehicles of the fire brigade or other emergency services with the Retmex – Nomex Model. The moment you are told on the call that there are still victims inside the burning building, you can choose to attach the Retmex to your kit and bring it with you. You only need to take the Retmex inside in such cases. It is not a standard part of your rescue kit as you probably already have enough items with you.