Objective: Heat stroke is a life-threatening condition that is characterized by body temperatures above 40 °C and central nervous system dysfunction. Immediate cooling is imperative to prevent irreversible cellular damage and improve patient outcomes. Here, we report two cases of heat stroke that highlight the use of a novel cooling suit (CarbonCool®) as a rapid cooling intervention administered in the prehospital setting, primarily focusing on patients with classic heat stroke.
Methods: This study was a retrospective review of two cases involving older patients with severe classic heat stroke, wherein CarbonCool® was used. The device was deployed at the scene of the incidents, throughout transport, and into the emergency department setting, allowing for continuous cooling and medical intervention as needed. The effectiveness of the cooling device was assessed based on the rate of temperature reduction and overall clinical outcomes of the patients.
Results: In both cases, CarbonCool® facilitated a rapid reduction in body temperature, aligning with the crucial requirement of immediate cooling for the management of heat stroke. The first case involved a comatose 90-year-old woman whose body temperature decreased from 42.0 to 35.8 °C within 60 min. The second case involved a comatose 70-year-old man who experienced a decrease in body temperature from 41.2 to 36.6 °C over 196 min. CarbonCool® allowed for the execution of concurrent resuscitative procedures and was compatible with various imaging modalities (including computed tomographic scan), allowing for continuous application from the scene to the intensive care unit. Moreover, both patients showed marked improvements in consciousness and were stabilized without the need for more invasive cooling procedures that are typically employed in hospital settings for such cases. Both patients were discharged without any disabilities.
Conclusion: We present an innovative approach to prehospital care for patients with heat stroke through the use of CarbonCool®, highlighting its efficacy for rapid cooling and its potential impact on patient outcomes. However, further studies are warranted to fully confirm the efficacy of the system.