Post by fernwood on Jul 13, 2019 7:45:33 GMT -5
I was first introduced to this method when working at Road America, race track.
We had about 100 neck coolers on hand for media members, race crews/drivers and anyone who was overcome by the heat.
These are easy to make yourself, or can be purchased for as little as $1.50 (or less in bulk). I have never purchased any, but know some are better than others.
They contained water absorbing polymer crystals.
The neck is the primary cooling center for the entire body. Other secondary areas include wrists and the back of the knees.
We kept the neck coolers in ice chests (or refrigerators) that were located in the main media tower, paddock media room and first aid building. Media crew members who were out and about on golf carts also kept a cooler of them.
To make your own you would need some tight woven, cotton fabric and the crystals. Sew all but one end of the fabric to the appropriate length. Add enough crystals so the fabric is about 1/2 to 3/4" thick. Then sew the open end.
I have seen these sewn more fancy to leave an open space with no crystals for tying. Velcro can also be placed at the ends.
When stored in ice water, they keep coolness for about 2 hours in temps between 90-100 F. They can also be frozen for longer coolness.
These worked great at Road America. Many media members from around the world were walking around the 10 mile grounds with heavy coats/vests/bags containing their photo equipment. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke were common. Cannot remember the number of times I came across someone with heat issues. The worst was when we found someone passed out from heat stroke along remote path. Had very shallow breathing and high body temp. Got on the radio to First Aid and gave them the location. My partner had to leave, but I kept the radio, cooler of neck coolers/water and stayed with the person, monitoring their vitals. Tried to cool them the best I could. They regained consciousness prior to the staff nurse arriving. By then they were able to drink water, but were very confused and weak. I had to hold them in a sitting position. At the time I was certified in Medic First Aid. The nurse called for a ATV to bring a cart to transport them to the helipad. 911 was called. They were airlifted to a local hospital with a body temp of about 103. Usually, we had a medic helicopter on the pad. Quick thinking and on ground treatment saved their life.
I think these coolers would be a great addition to rock hunting trips. Have one on your neck and wrist(s). Keep a couple more frozen ones in your pack (wrapped in a small towel).
Has anyone used these while rock hunting?
We had about 100 neck coolers on hand for media members, race crews/drivers and anyone who was overcome by the heat.
These are easy to make yourself, or can be purchased for as little as $1.50 (or less in bulk). I have never purchased any, but know some are better than others.
They contained water absorbing polymer crystals.
The neck is the primary cooling center for the entire body. Other secondary areas include wrists and the back of the knees.
We kept the neck coolers in ice chests (or refrigerators) that were located in the main media tower, paddock media room and first aid building. Media crew members who were out and about on golf carts also kept a cooler of them.
To make your own you would need some tight woven, cotton fabric and the crystals. Sew all but one end of the fabric to the appropriate length. Add enough crystals so the fabric is about 1/2 to 3/4" thick. Then sew the open end.
I have seen these sewn more fancy to leave an open space with no crystals for tying. Velcro can also be placed at the ends.
When stored in ice water, they keep coolness for about 2 hours in temps between 90-100 F. They can also be frozen for longer coolness.
These worked great at Road America. Many media members from around the world were walking around the 10 mile grounds with heavy coats/vests/bags containing their photo equipment. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke were common. Cannot remember the number of times I came across someone with heat issues. The worst was when we found someone passed out from heat stroke along remote path. Had very shallow breathing and high body temp. Got on the radio to First Aid and gave them the location. My partner had to leave, but I kept the radio, cooler of neck coolers/water and stayed with the person, monitoring their vitals. Tried to cool them the best I could. They regained consciousness prior to the staff nurse arriving. By then they were able to drink water, but were very confused and weak. I had to hold them in a sitting position. At the time I was certified in Medic First Aid. The nurse called for a ATV to bring a cart to transport them to the helipad. 911 was called. They were airlifted to a local hospital with a body temp of about 103. Usually, we had a medic helicopter on the pad. Quick thinking and on ground treatment saved their life.
I think these coolers would be a great addition to rock hunting trips. Have one on your neck and wrist(s). Keep a couple more frozen ones in your pack (wrapped in a small towel).
Has anyone used these while rock hunting?