THE #1 THING YOU SHOULD HAVE ON YOUR WORKSITE TO PREVENT HEAT-RELATED DEATHS

Heat-related deaths are 100% preventable when using this inexpensive item.

What is this life-saving item?

It’s actually just a large tub filled with ice water.

If someone is properly cooled (in an ice bath) within 30 minutes after they collapse from heat exhaustion, their odds of survival are 100%.

Because of the large impact that ice water baths can have on survival, many athletic trainers, EMTs, and medics use the mantra “Cool first, transport second.” Meaning that the worker will have much better odds of survival if you cool them first (at your worksite) and then transport them to the hospital.

SO WHAT DO YOU NEED TO DO IMPLEMENT THIS COOLING TECHNIQUE?

You’ll need:

1. A large tub, kiddie pool, or tarp— anything that can fit a person in it and withstand a large amount of ice water— will all work.
2. Large coolers filled with ice each day & placed next to the tub.
3. Large coolers filled with ice each day & placed next to the tub.

What to do when someone collapses in the heat:

1. Immediately carry them to the tub and remove any extra clothing or equipment that might not allow them to cool down completely.
2. Fill the water up to their chest and pour the ice in the tub. Ideally the water temperature is below 50°F (10°C).
3. CALL 911
4. Keep their head above water by placing a towel or sheet across the tub or across their chest to hold them against the back of the tub (see above picture for one way to do this).
5. KEEP STIRRING OR CIRCULATING THE WATER VIGOROUSLY TO MAKE SURE COLD WATER IS CONTINUOUSLY SURROUNDING THE WORKER.
   Note: if you’re using a tarp, you will need to have several people (5-6) hold the edges of the tarp up so that the individual is submerged to their chest & the water/ice does not leak out. Essentially, you’re creating a hammock (see image below).

If you cannot measure the worker’s rectal temperature:

1. Remove them from the ice bath after 10-15 minutes, and then cover them with a blanket to prevent an overshoot in body temperature (too cold).

If you can measure the worker’s rectal temperature:

2. Remove them from the ice bath when their core temperature is ~38.8°C (102°F), and then cover them with a blanket to prevent an overshoot in body temperature (too cold).
3. After cooling is complete, transport the worker to emergency medical services; but do not do this until they have been properly cooled!

REMEMBER: YOU CAN SAVE YOUR WORKERS’ LIVES WITH AN ICE BATH-

SO BE PREPARED WITH THIS EQUIPMENT AT YOUR WORKSITE!

For more information on emergency cooling procedures, or to have Kenzen make your worksite heat-safe, see our Heat Safety Training Program.

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REFERENCE:

Lopez, RM. (2015) “Quick Questions in Heat-Related Illness and Hydration: Expert Advice in Sports Medicine.” Chapters 20-23. SLACK Incorporated. Thorofare, NJ.