A new emergency cooling vest is designed to prevent heat-related deaths without requiring electricity or refrigeration.
The lightweight ColdVest is the world’s first portable, Class 1 FDA emergency cooling device that can rapidly lower core body temperatures up to 5 degrees in under 3 minutes, according to a news release. The device uses patented endothermic cooling technology to rapidly activate internal cooling chemicals when liquid is added.
The product provides emergency cooling for military personnel, outdoor workers, athletes, and others at high risk of heat stroke before EMS personnel arrive. People suffering from heat stroke typically have 30 minutes before suffering permanent harm. In just under three minutes, ColdVest can reduce core body temperatures and stabilize an individual.
To activate, users add three liters of liquid to ColdVest’s integrated bladder. The water combines with cooling chemicals and spreads throughout the vest.
Related Stories
| Feb 21, 2013
Construction team chosen for world's tallest building in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Construction team chosen for world's tallest building in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
| Feb 19, 2013
Luxury multifamily project under way in Atlanta; 215 residences planned
Hines Multifamily is building @1377, a luxury complex comprising 215 "urban-style residences" in Atlanta's Brookhaven neighborhood.
| Feb 15, 2013
Could the student housing boom lead to a bubble?
Student housing has been one of the bright spots in the multifamily construction sector in recent years. But experts say there should be cause for concern for oversupply in the market.
| Feb 14, 2013
5 radical trends in outpatient facility design
Building Design+Construction combed the healthcare design and construction sector to evaluate the latest developments in outpatient facility designs. Here are five trends to watch.
| Feb 14, 2013
Brasfield & Gorrie breaks ground on New College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta
General contractor Brasfield & Gorrie is scheduled to kick off construction on the new College Football Hall of Fame in downtown Atlanta. With an anticipated completion date of fall 2014, the $66.5 million project will continue the revitalization of the city’s tourist district.
| Feb 14, 2013
Firestone projects recognized for roofing excellence
Firestone Building Products has been awarded the 2012 RoofPoint Excellence in Design Award in two categories: Global Leadership and Advancing Sustainable Roofing.
Smart Buildings | Feb 14, 2013
Minneapolis joins energy benchmarking trend for commercial buildings
Minneapolis is the latest major metro to require large commercial buildings to benchmark and disclose their energy and water use.
| Feb 8, 2013
Modest growth predicted for engineering, construction mergers
Small and mid-market deals and construction materials drive activity; U.S. is the most active individual nation.
| Feb 8, 2013
FMI/CURT 2012 Owner Study highlights construction industry challenges
Capital program owners grapple with concerns about project funding, staffing, regulations.
| Feb 6, 2013
RSMeans cost comparisons: office buildings and medical offices
RSMeans' February 2013 Cost Comparison Report breaks down the average construction costs per square foot for four types of office buildings across 25 metro markets.