If a person is suffering from heat stroke, rapid cooling within 30 minutes can cut the risk of fatality from more than 50% to less than 5%. The following methods can help cool a person or reduce their heat intake until medical help arrives. Whenever you apply rapid cooling, it is important to request medical assistance immediately, continuously monitor the individual, and stop the cooling if the person begins to shiver.
When in doubt, chill them out!
Good Method
Wet Clothing
Wet clothing is a simple way to cool an overheated person. While the person is resting:
- Give them water to drink
- Remove any outer layers or unnecessary clothing, especially items likes belts, socks and shoes
- Elevate their feet
- Splash them with cool water while also fanning them and elevating their feet
Better Method
Ice Sheets
Ice sheets use ordinary bed sheets soaked in ice water to cool the person. Refresh the sheets with cold water every one to three minutes once the sheets warm up.
Ice Packs
Ice packs can cool a person effectively when placed in the appropriate locations. If possible, use this method while using ice sheets.
Best Method
Cold Water Bath
Cold water bath is the most effective cooling method, but it requires a tub, stock tank, or child’s pool half filled with water and ice.
TACO Method
TACO method requires less equipment than the cold water bath and may be easier in the field, as it only requires a tarp and a water cooler. Place the individual on the tarp, have a few individuals hold the edges up, pour in ice water then use the tarp to slosh the water over the individual.