Helicopter cooling of heatstroke victims

Aviat Space Environ Med. 1987 Apr;58(4):358-61.

Abstract

Theoretical and clinical evidence suggests that traditional ice water immersion is not the best therapy for heatstroke. We treated three patients with serious heatstroke using the downdraft from a light utility helicopter to dissipate heat primarily by evaporation and convection. The speed of cooling was substantially better than that reported in prior clinical series.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Air Movements*
  • Aircraft*
  • Athletic Injuries / therapy*
  • Body Temperature
  • Cryotherapy*
  • Emergencies
  • Heat Exhaustion / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Rectum
  • Running