Document Type

Abstract

Publication Date

2-11-2026

Comments

Presented at the 2026 Scholarly Inquiry (SI) Research Project Symposium.

Abstract

Introduction: In the acute treatment of acute hyperthermia that is treated in austere conditions, there is a lack of a portable, effective, and inexpensive device that can rapidly lower the temperature of the patient back to baseline levels. With rapidly rising global temperatures, we anticipate an increase in acute heat strokes where correction by cooling can save countless lives. We want to create a medical device that is effective in cooling a patient with hyperthermia to increase survival and recovery outcomes. Our main inquiry is whether it is reasonable to design, produce, and test a cooling device that fits within these parameters.

Methods: A vest will be portable and uncomplicated to place over an unconscious patient. The construction of the vest will contain an insulating layer and a conducting layer to facilitate heat exchange. The primary cooling will be done with a Barium salt formulation disposable cooling pack, which allows for the most endothermic contained reaction and will allow the vest to be reusable.

Results: The prototype will be evaluated by measuring both the rate and duration of the cooling of the packs and their effect on core temperature of a human analog. Once we prove that the cooling packs work, we will refocus on lowering production costs and packaging to increase portability. Initial testing indicates that the proposed framework is deliverable.

Discussion: Providing an inexpensive, portable, reusable, and effective cooling vest can reduce heat stroke deaths across all situations, but especially in acute, austere pre-hospital conditions where alternative treatments are unavailable.

Additional Files
Azizi_David_Coyle_Connor_poster.pdf (679 kB)

Language

English

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