{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: Suspected exertional heat stroke; A case study of worker cooling in a hot and humid field environment.
{Author}: Rogerson S;Brearley M;
{Journal}: Work
{Volume}: 0
{Issue}: 0
{Year}: 2024 Jul 4
{Factor}: 1.803
{DOI}: 10.3233/WOR-240060
{Abstract}: <B>UNASSIGNED: </B>In the event of a severe occupational heat-related illness, paramedic assistance may not be immediately available. A worker's survival may depend on their co-workers access to efficacious field-based cooling modalities. One cooling method that has been claimed to be practical in field-based settings is the ice towel method.<BR><B>UNASSIGNED: </B>This case study assessed the practicality of the ice towel method in an industrial setting, where criteria for use include cost effectiveness, portability, scalability, and implementation by a single worker under the stress of an emergency.<BR><B>UNASSIGNED: </B>This case study describes the emergency application of the ice towel method while awaiting paramedics, for a worker suffering suspected exertional heat stroke on a remote job site.<BR><B>UNASSIGNED: </B>Ice towels were able to be transported to a remote field site and applied successfully by a single worker under the stress of a potentially life-threatening emergency.<BR><B>UNASSIGNED: </B>The ice towel method was cost effective, scalable, transportable, and rapidly applied in a field-based emergency. This case study demonstrates the importance of organizations assessing their heat-related risks, and determining controls based upon their efficacy and practicality for their unique setting.