Be it today s chemical, biological agent discourage

Be it today's chemical, biological agent discourage or tomorrow's first responder contact, firefighters are among the chosen several who continually play Russian Different roulette games with their health each time they add their hazardous material suit or turnout gear and head into problem. Each year governing committees amend criteria to improve protective equipment. Yet, even though these good intentions, protective textiles place an immeasurable health threat on the human body. As enigmatic for the term "heat stress" is, the next a "cure-all" solution.

Firefighters, EMTs and other first responders are well versed on the facts and remedies with the minor heat illness occurrences... heating rash, heat cramps, tetany (painful muscle spasms caused by faulty calcium metabolism or diminished parathyroid function), warmth syncope (fainting) and heat fatigue. But, it's the obscure damage that particular serious heat related incident for the reason that heat stroke can cause that is shrouded in obscurity. In a 1995 Occupational Medicine article, the Cancer Registry of Norway reported a relationship between the incidence of kidney tumor and both exposure and cumulative exposure to working in hot environments and volatiles some 20 to more than 30 years before observation. The main findings of the study revealed heat stress plus kidney cancer in the group having at least three years of total employment. A quote from this study explained, "increased risk of kidney cancer has become reported from previous studies of workers in aluminum smelters and also other hot environments such as foundries plus coke ovens".

Studies published inside the American Journal of Medicine suggest that Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) including a variety of other critical conditions related to ARDS are also linked to heat cerebrovascular accident. Recently, the Center for Disease Handle revealed astounding facts about Chronic Exhaustion Syndrome (CFS) that resembles the chronic effects of an individual who survives high temperature stroke, but it doesn't end presently there. Medical research hints a correlation between continual exposure of heat to the body that forces the individual to near exhaustion usually results in moderate to serious physiologic and neurologic aftereffects. Typically described as exhaustion plus poor stamina, the underlying factor in each a severe heat illness and CFS is their pathology involving our body's cellular energy "storehouse".

Research cannot well define the particular dysfunction of our body's immune system when it is broached by a disruption caused by severe heat. It does, however, intimate that will as our body experiences this extreme disruption, our natural killer cellular material that fight viruses can be under control or deficient, compromising our defense mechanisms. Commonalities discovered between CFS and even sequelae (the medical term for recurrent complications frequently noticed in people who recover from a severe heat illness) are:

-overall muscle discomfort, down muscles, headaches and weakness

-sleep disturbances or hypersomnolence (requiring extreme sleep hours and naps)

-spatial disorientation, light headedness and dyslogia (speech impairment, reasoning, memory loss

and/or the ability to concentrate)

-chills and evening sweats (a thermoregulatory problem)

-skin sensitivity and sensitivity to heating and cold

-irregular heart beat in addition to recurrent chest and/or abdominal discomfort

-lowered tolerance to alcohol, irritable bowel and/or diarrhea

-weight fluctuation and menstrual cycle disruption

Our bodies will be truly a complex chemical, electrical in addition to biological organism. In the early stages of a severe heat illness, at the cellular degree, tremendous hyperactivity and abnormalities take place. Excessive heat exposure substantially denatures proteins, lipoproteins and phospholipids; it liquifies membranes and provokes electrolyte abnormalities that ultimately contributes to cardiovascular collapse, multi-organ failure and death. Lipids (one of the principal structural materials of living cells) are transported by the lipoproteins over the blood, so disruption of our cells is most definitely not a good thing. As we eradicate the lipo-proteins that sheath the myelin in the neurotransmitters (nerve fibers), we impair our communication central processing system. Potassium is essential regarding muscular contraction and function of the cardiovascular, skeletal and smooth internal organ muscles, as well as the osmotic pressure and even ionic electrical balance. As warmth stress persists, potassium levels high and wane as muscle harm occurs. As these minerals work together to facilitate one another, abnormal levels of calcium supplements, potassium, magnesium and phosphates can become significant enough to lead to hypertension (persistent high blood pressure), cardiac arrhythmias or tachycardia (irregular or elevated heart rate) or even be the precursor to mild cerebrovascular accident and require immediate treatment.

Simply because our electrolytes become imbalanced, the onset of vomiting and diarrhea can happen. If excess sweating has took place, the level of sodium usually measures increased unless plenty of water without salt replenishment was previously ingested. Sodium assists maintain osmotic pressure of extracellular fluid, gastrointestinal absorption of selected sugars and proteins, cell permeability and muscle function. Liver destruction is a consistent finding and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) is very common and may be incited by hard working liver failure.

Hemodynamic reports (the study of the forces involved in blood circulation) reveal in severe dehydration cases, abnormal coagulation occurs altering proteins and causes cerebral edema (excess substance in the brain cells or tissues). Prolonged intravascular coagulation or losing blood to the lungs incites injury to the lung tissues and may predispose people to develop pulmonary problems like ARDS. Once this occurs, folks require more positive inhalation pressure by means of mechanical ventilation.

Serious heat problems for the body is often associated with endotoxemia (the presence of endotoxins in the blood vessels and tissues) that form a fundamental element of the cell wall of certain bacteria and are released when the mobile destructs. Blood hemorrhaging in the skin (red bumps) can occur followed by blood vessels in the urine. As dehydration will increase, the viscosity of the blood alterations (from oxygen rich, easily perfused fluid to a sludge-like substance). Vascular tone and capacity, in turn, change blood pressure and cardiac output. Any time left untreated, the heart becomes exhausted and quits. Neurologic complications change from mental disorientation to delirium, unconsciousness, convulsions or a comatose state (displaying similar symptoms to that of keeping a serious head injury). Those individuals may need tomography scans to determine the level of Central Nervous System (CNS) damage.

Nerve damage is often as subtle to recovering heat stroke victims as partial or long lasting anhidrosis (cessation of sweating). From thereon, the individual's ability to retain thermal equilibrium may be compromised, specially when faced with heat stress conditions. nico damage to the body's heat-dissipating bodily mechanisms may be noted along with muscle coordination may be weak and affected in a few or all quadrants of the physique. One's equilibrium and hand-eye skill may be off. In some cases, lack of sensory problems conductivity in the lower limbs are often noted.

Neurologic disorders during the progression of heat related illnesses are further complicated by release of adrenaline (epinephrine- the most potent stimulant of the sympathetic nervous system). Adrenaline tension is extremely prevalent in high-risk careers where tension, fear, anger, delight and life threatening situations occur. Relieve of adrenaline changes the physiological responses and causes a magnitude of complex reactions including, but not restricted to increased blood pressure, heart rate and force of blood vessel contraction, rest of bronchiolar and intestinal simple muscles and other metabolic effects. According to John LoZito, Neurologist, a relieve of some adrenaline is good, yet needless adrenaline incites hyperactivity comparable to dropping a fuel drum on the bonfire further increasing susceptibility for further serious maladies: stroke, cardiac tension, etc.

Extreme dehydration causes preservation of carcinogens and an discrepancy of myoglobin (oxygen carrying proteins) in prominent organs like the bladder and colon. Progressive loss of smooth prevents diluting and flushing of them toxins, predisposes one for congestion and urinary tract infections, and also bladder and colon cancer. Kidney stones may form more readily as calcium, uric acid and other substances grow to be concentrated and form crystals as a result of fluid loss. Advanced heat stress damage incites sudden rhabdomolysis and intramuscular necrosis (destroying skeletal muscle tissues and decay of muscle tissue generally known as muscle wasting).

Researchers have lengthy purported good fluid intake wipes out the cavity causing acids, flashes away sugar and inhibits the particular microorganisms that cause gum disease as well as other oral hygiene problems. For individuals suffering from asthma, drying of the nose membranes, throat and lung tissues presumably incite more asthma attacks than with hydrated tissues or humid climate. Dehydration, measuring as little as one per cent of one's body weight in non-heat anxiety conditions can be the cause for headaches, fatigue, muscle mass cramps and the overall "blah" sense. A net water loss of as few as four percent of one's body weight can cause blood pressure to plummet quickly. These kinds of and a host of other problems make simple nausea and head aches just a walk in the park.

The standard information from organizations like the National Institute of Health, OSHA, NIOSH, CDC, Worksafe Australia and others usually do not reflect the pathophysiology of how heating stress affects our body at the cellular level. Medical science has just begun to unravel the baneful mysteries of bodily reaction to heat, unfortunately many times after the fact.

The Effects of Medication and Drugs:

The picture becomes more complicated the moment diet pills, diuretics, over-the-counter cold plus flu remedies, and pain medication have been ingested on individuals succumbing to a heat stress illness. Antihistamines, decongestants and remedies containing liquor act to dry up the mucous membranes and decrease sweat gland secretion, triggering further dehydration. Caffeine and organic stimulants incite the bladder together with heart rate, while sleep aids can dull the senses and engine skills and can linger in the body for as long as 24 hours. Individuals diagnosed with diabetes, hypoglycemia or anemia and other undetected diseases (atherosclerosis and other vascular diseases) in a negative way alter the equation for maintaining energy regulation. Age, malnutrition, impaired health and wellbeing, adiposity (excess body fat), earlier fatigue, lack of proper sleep, or previous or repeated episodes regarding heat-related illnesses all play a huge role in predisposing individuals to the unwanted effects of heat stress. Individuals with a previous mind injury or nerve damage, underactive thyroid, hypertension or smoke heavily are potentially more susceptible to temperature stress.

During the past decade, I have accumulated data from innumerable sources: obstacle and medical reports, insurance and government labor statistics, Department of Defense (DOD) and University sponsored epidemiological studies on Gulf Conflict soldiers, and a myriad of information via institutes around the world. All have explained astonishing facts. The most notable fact is best stated by my long-time advisor, John LoZito, Neurologist who tutored me for several years... "what heat strains and negative pressures your body tolerates today are not necessarily the same levels that your bodily functioning mechanisms can tolerate tomorrow... or the day thereafter. "

More than two decades ago, I had been a small business owner. Every day I dressed in expensive clothing, sat behind a great over-sized desk and dealt with lots of people from a nice air-conditioned office. Each week I faithfully attended Rotary Membership meetings and networked with other business associates at all the right social events. I got a member of the Better Business Council, taught a business course at a community college and donated more than my publish of hours of community service. And one night I changed from the dress ensembles to Levi's in addition to tee-shirts and joined my true love in a research and development venture to solve heat stress problems for the U. Ings. Armed Forces. The project initially seemed reasonable. Create a passive means of retaining ground soldiers cool, especially in desert warfare conditions, without using electricity together with encumbering mechanical devices like pumping systems and batteries that were prone to fail at critical times. The end result has to be a man portable device with temps that would be tolerated by the body without the need of negative physiologic reaction.

We analyzed a variety of patented devices, amassed data from previous test contingents - case studies on battlefield soldiers, firefighters, miners, roughnecks, helicopter fliers, off-shore powerboat and super bike motorcycle racers, and a host involving other subjects who were required to dress in protective apparel under normal job conditions, many while conducting higher metabolic activity in high heat crawls. We evaluated numerous laboratory check results of a variety of ice / gel, evaporative, vortex and water circulative technologies. Aside from the usual shortcomings regarding too cold of temperature to allow warmth abstraction from an exothermic body or perhaps mechanical devices that failed at critical times, we elected to learn exotherm type, constant temperature phase-change technology. Little did we realize what a huge undertaking this job would become. During the three and a half years of research and development, I was fortunate to obtain been tutored by some great medical doctors. I spent an inordinate amount of time in sports rehabilitation conveniences like Alabama Sports Medicine (where athletes earning seven figures choose major surgery), HealthSouth, and Atlantic Orthopaedic. My thirst for information on this subject was not limited to individuals. I also visited armed forces working puppy kennels and Churchill Downs equine track in an attempt to better understand maximum healing temperatures.

According to the United States Activities Academy the perfect temperature for maximum healing in prolonged cryotherapy designed for return to function is 50 degrees F (10 degrees C). Units that could maintain that temperature would not cause negative physiologic reaction, vasoconstriction, soft tissue damage, cold shock or even frostbite. Rather, this temperature furthermore thwarted the onset of histamine manufacturing, swelling and fluid retention to the affected tissue. Hence, this bring about a starting point for understanding how to reduce warmth stress in humans by first understanding of how our bodies reacted to heat variation. Further, I learned about the negative affects/effects prolonged heat publicity has to individuals afflicted with heat intolerant diseases like Multiple Sclerosis, Ichthyosis as well as other neurological and related skin disorders that thwart an individual's ability to sweat or even regulate their temperature naturally.

Present Achilles Heel:

The serious heat connected ailment is described as either Typical or Exertional Heat Stroke (EHS). The latter, common among firefighters and people who conduct high metabolic activity, is extremely morbid. Classic Heat Stroke (CHS) is common among sedentary or elderly people, obese, chronically ill, or people with advanced heart disease who are exposed to big ambient temperatures, but aren't always exercising in this environment. On the other hand, EHS is accelerated when personal protective equipment (PPE) alters the formula of balancing heat gain against heat loss in an incubative atmosphere like firefighting, mining, smelting and so forth EHS victims can display the same serious symptoms of classic heat stroke, but many may continue to sweat. Terms like micro-environmental temperature zone (MTZ), moisture vapor transfer rate (MVTR), extreme temperature differential (ITD), sweat errors, work tolerance time (WTT), plus latent heat of vaporization most work in concert against you whenever wearing impermeable chemical suits, turnout gear and a variety of protective materials with little or no porosity. Synonymous together with HazMat suits, MTZ is defined as typically the continual rise in the temperature with the latent heat trapped inside the exemplified apparel when caloric activity happens and vaporization of moisture is not really attainable, creating a thermal burden-the jungle effect.

A major chemical corporation along with the University of Central Florida conducted the 90-day test in a laboratory how garments interfered with the body's chilling mechanisms. Different garments in pounds and porosity were worn by simply subjects walking on a treadmill until their core temperature reached material degrees F. The conclusions : simple cotton clothing can hinder the MVTR by as much as 20 percent, whilst fire retardant clothing (contingent upon its porosity, denier weight, color and even chemical additive) increases the thermal burden and decreases the MVTR. Researchers constantly strive to increase safety while minimizing health risks associated with the wearing of shielding fabrics.

While testing on treadmills may result in good data in controlled environments, walking on a fitness treadmill in controlled conditions does not copy the exacting metabolic stress on the body when lifting heavy objects in every day life situations, further complicated by wearing appropriate apparel. A study of threshold reduce values in the workplace reveal that even wearing the lightest of garments, warmth stress threshold action limits (where individuals core temperature rises in order to 38 degrees C before necessitating firefighter helmets treatment) are exceeded in most U. S. cities each summer. Heat wave of July 1999 (in the chemical valley) in Sarnia, Ontario lasted for several days. Two workers lost their lives due to heat stroke while wearing protective coveralls as required by their occupation. Equally individuals were in their middle ages together previous exposure to this type of environment during theirworking career.

Balancing heat tension while complying with safety rules is a dual edged sword. In July of 1998, at the Dothan, Alabama Fire Academy training lands, I measured the intense temperature gear inside ten firefighters HazMat accommodates conducting routine chemical spill exercises on a hot 96 degree Farreneheit day with 82 percent family member humidity. The asphalt temperature averaged 126 degrees F at 0930 hours to 132 degrees N at 1200 hours. The average ITD measured at least 20 degrees more comfortable than normal skin temperature with their suits, creating an incubative environment for heat stress.

I establish incubative environments as surrounding temps that breed heat stress inside confined areas where moving air to support in sweat evaporation, shade along with other cooling means are not attainable. An excellent test I conducted was while using the shuttle rescue Black Hawk helicopter crew stationed at Patrick Usaf Base, Florida. These pilots need little means of recirculating cool air even though flying nap of the earth on low altitudes. They must wear fire resistant flight suits, further reducing typically the MVTR as well as a full head helmet, trapping more heat that the body's radiator wants to dissipate. I thought it would be a highly incubative environment in addition to was interested in determining the ITD these pilots might experience over a normal mission.

The helicopter faced to the south to gain maximum UV exposure for your six-hour test. At 0800, My spouse and i placed a sunscreen in the window and a thermometer on the floor shaded from direct sun. At 0900 hrs, I took a digital reading with the outside air temperature (OAT) while 92 degrees F. At 0900, the inside thermometer shaded from immediate sun measured 99 degrees Farreneheit. At 1300 hours, the shaded thermometer read 108 degrees Farrenheit. I removed the sunscreen and even moved the thermometer to the seating exposed to direct sun. At 1303 hours, three minutes after associated with the sunscreen, the thermometer sized 115 degrees F. At 1306 hours, the thermometer measured 129 degrees F. Later that afternoon, after 30 minutes of flying directly into direct sunlight at an altitude of 1000 feet, the sustained cockpit heat range measured 109 degrees F the place that the OAT at that altitude measured 94 degrees F.

A few years ago, We attended a special military conference presented at the U. S. Marine Corps Chemical Biological Incident Response Force (CBIRF) Headquarters at Indian Mind, Maryland. The purpose of the conference was to acquaint the military with off-the-shelf solutions to the age-old problem of warmth stress. Hence, I briefed important Marine Corps individuals about the the most appropriate solution- a myriad of HTF exotherm variety cooling devices that had been scientifically shown to increase WTT by 22%, while keeping normal body vitals, as possible methods to heat stress for some in-field apps. After the bombing of Khobar systems in 1996, the joint armed forces employ more working canines upon perimeter security patrol. Desert situations pose an extreme health hazard to functioning dogs, as they do not have the physical means to expel heat readily such as humans. After a technology briefing and even demonstration of the HTF exotherm technologies, I was approached by an professional from a company who was promoting their own new ingestible, non-soluble "thermosensor" staying tested by the Navy Seals. When ever swallowed, this device would directly transmit thermosensory information to the Corpsman when ever one's core temperature reached 39 degrees C.

The engineer proposed that this device could be the answer to decreasing heat stress in the field. So I questioned him the proverbial question. "Let's say you're on a covert operation in Central America where the temperature index averages 100 degrees F and higher. You're carrying only 40 pounds of weapons, radios and extra gear. You must keep your military style BDUs on for protection against pest bites, snakes and the like. The heat and even humidity, coupled with simple walking within the jungle will increase your core temperature quickly, by one or more degrees. What is going to this thermosensor device accomplish any time remedies can't be implemented the moment the particular alarm signals? " He replied that they conducted testing in a laboratory on treadmills. "Why the treadmill? inches I asked. "Well, because it measures cardiovascular system output. "

In turn I asked, "have you ever watched a decon team wearing MOPP2/4 gear or perhaps JS-List Overgarments during a chem/bio warfare exercise lift the dead bodyweight of an apparently unconscious 180 lb person lying on the ground and carry that individual to a decontamination tent a few 40 yards away... and then try this hurriedly thirty or more times which represents a bio-chemical agent incident? " Ah, no. "Are you aware about the exponential increase in metabolic energy required to lift an object versus merely walking to increase one's heart rate? " Not really. "Do you know what bodily heating is trapped inside this substance suit in a heat index of 95 degrees F when they is carrying people and inhaling filtered air? " "No, but the sensor tells the individual to quickly hydrate. " "Wouldn't he also need to be decontaminated first before breaking the veil and exposing himself to the surroundings which delays rehydrating? " They walked away in silence.

OSHA as well as other organizations purport utilizing measuring products like Wet Bulb Globe Temperatures (WBGT) and other heat stress checking equipment as a good means of the actual environment you're facing. However, WBGT and other devices cannot measure the decrement in mental and physical efficiency that results in a lower margin associated with safety and increased potential associated with errors of pilots and other staff members when placed in incubative situations. As each of us are unique while our DNA, so will our own WTT vary from day to day and task to task, especially so when protective apparel and nonporous fabrics happen to be introduced in the equation.

Aboard typically the submarine tender the U. S i9000. S. Frank Cable, due to high temperature radiating off the engines and products in their boiler/engine rooms and next operational rooms, the sustained place temperature averages 96 degrees Farreneheit to 99 degrees F on most days. The safety director at Electrical Boat, builders of the Wolf Category submarine, report that their welders, plumbers and electricians were the most notable three job classifications to report recurrent heat stress illnesses. These people predominantly worked in confined spaces the size of a Magnetic Resonance Imaging tube wearing fire retardant coveralls. Throughout industrial training week in July 1996 at Texas A&amp;M Firefighting Academy, I gained great accord for the firefighters from Canada that have been not acclimated to Texas temperature and humidity. All seven first aid tents were kept busy ferrying heat stress cases to a far better location for treatment.

During February involving 1998, I conducted six heat stress awareness seminars around Quarterly report beginning in Perth, working my approach around the continent to Sydney. In that time, I was invited to tour the world's largest deep real estate agent mine in northwestern Queensland, within the heart of the outback. Mount Isa Mine mines four minerals within close proximity - copper, silver, lead and zinc where roughly 35, 000 tons of ore will be produced daily in this labyrinth in whose tunnels extend well in excess of five-hundred km and at a depth well over 1760 meters. After completing a medical questionnaire, I rode the double-decker lift with 180 workers for the primary sub-level for my briefing. The first oral instruction was to encourage me that the best temperature, as well as it gets, averages 41 degrees C year-round.... the kind of environment that incubates heat related illnesses. The previous day, during my on-site heat tension seminar, MIM ventilation coordinator Tony Nixon, reported 28 heat pressure casualties occurred during January, almost one per day. To better comprehend operate tolerance time, environmental temperatures, air current and other workplace variables, I had to enjoy it for myself. Although MIM boasts 19 shafts, 14 specialized in ventilation, the temperature of the oxygen blowing in the shafts was somewhat warmer than average skin heat range so excess heat gained simply by convection was inevitable.

Donned inside high denier coveralls and eighteen pounds of equipment, I set out to check out the darkness over one distance down. Accompanied by a safety coordinator, most of us walked and rode in transportation vehicles to expose me to a large number of work situations. Occasionally, I would placed on the filter mask to avoid inhaling and exhaling diesel fumes and fine particulate dust. The temperature was unforgiving. Near the stoking areas, the bright heat approached 60 degrees D. Workers averaged 12 to 15 or so minutes in this sector, returning red-faced, drenched in sweat, fatigued and dried out. Had I not been using the HTF exotherm cooling alternative of the armed forces research project, I also would have succumbed to heat stress after over four and one-half hours in that environment.

The Physiological Features of HTF (Heat Transfer Formula Exotherm) Cooling:

Based on substantial medical groundwork, the unique Heat Transfer Formula (HTF) temperature of 55 degrees F for specific use in personal physique cooling has unequivocally proven their effectiveness in greatly reducing the symptoms and effects associated with heat linked illnesses. Primarily, this optimum temp does not cause vasoconstriction or the "thermal shock syndrome" generally felt as soon as exposed to the cold temperatures of ice and gel. Thermogenesis (rapid heat production through shivering) is simply not incited when this optimum climate is held in close contact (thermal communication) with the body. Rather, this specific temperature allows for quick acclimatization, with a comfortable cool sensation felt relating to the peripheral skin areas, further causing heat abstraction from the torso.

1st acting as a heat sink, this specific 55 degree F temperature abstracts excess body heat gained through metabolic activity and/or micro-environmental temperatures created when donning personal protective accessories. The blood carried throughout the peripheral boats and surrounding soft tissues discharge the latent heat and become cooler as more and more heat is abstracted in the surface area. Consequently, recirculating cooler bloodstream back throughout the venous return thwarts additional concomitant hyperactivity among the human body's vitals required to meet the demands regarding thermal regulation. As cooler blood vessels continually irrigates the cardiovascular system, fewer metabolic energy is required, slowing the process of essential body vitals (blood stress, heart rate, pulmonary output of increased oxygen demands) as well as the latent heating of vaporization (sweating). As perspiring wanes, cellular metabolic activity might be reduced and less electrolyte fluids in addition to precious minerals are forfeited resulting in a prolonged endurance factor. Since simply no vascular constriction is occurring, proper breathable oxygen flow is maintained for the best muscle function, brain activity in addition to CNS functions.

Akin to the rad of an engine, the optimum temperature involving 55 degrees F is the chillier receptor absorbing heat from the medium closest in proximity (the our body). In this example, as the human body's engine cools, less heat has to be expelled and less stress is placed for the engine itself. Clearly, the engine and its ancillary bodily functions operate a lot more smoothly. As more hyperactive heat is definitely exacted by the body's cooling components when attaining thermal equilibrium, a person's vigilance and senses remain even more acute. Individuals can focus even more clearly on the task at hand, not being physiologically and psychologically distracted by uncomfortable reactions their body is suffering from as a result of trying to attain or manage thermal equilibrium.

According to John LoZito, Neurologist, utilizing the optimum temperature regarding 55 degrees F in being a body management device "helps take care of the body's 'vitals'... the first technology We have seen to work in harmony together with physiology to cool both the body and mind. I find this technology specially effective in high risk occupations exactly where 'adrenaline stress' adds further detrimental pressures to the already stressed specific. "

Former Miami Dolphins personal trainer, Dr. Gary Berns states, "this technology uses safe, comfortable temperature that work in direct correlation to the body's physiological, neurological and metabolic systems. As the body cooling device absorbs the excess heat from the chest tooth cavity or extremity, the blood flow begins to cool. As the blood cools, the sympathetic system slows down the metabolism. We then vasodilate and decrease the particular sympathetic outflow and turn our body in to a more calm, relaxed state more reducing body vitals, i. electronic. blood pressure and heart rate etc . Chilling the blood flow at its source which has a higher temperature medium keeps against adversely reacting - fighting vasoconstriction by pumping more blood through the arterial system. "

To further establish the effectiveness of "optimum temperature" body soothing, the U. S. Air Force Surgical treatments Test &amp; Evaluation Center (AFOTEC), now located at Kirtland AFB New Mexico, in conjunction with Alamo Medical Research Institute conducted an extensive 10-day instrumented evaluation of this HTF Exotherm type cooling device. This technology was studied to determine the utility of the one-of-a-kind Heat Transfer Formula Exotherm Type body cooling devices regarding sole source inclusion for procurement worldwide. Ten male firefighters using medical clearance for unrestricted responsibility from San Antonio, Texas self volunteered to participate in this study. Laboratory testing was conducted to baseline test participants' physical condition to quantitatively evaluate the physiological benefits of wearing the HTF constant temperature body air conditioning vests in high heat, high exertion environments versus not wearing a body system cooling device.

The end report when compared the work tolerance time (WTT) findings of wearing the HTF exotherm cooling device versus not wearing virtually any cooling device as stated below.

AFOTEC Conclusions:

-A 22% increase in typically the firefighter's work time (WTT) performance was noted.

-No significant change in core body temperatures, blood pressure or perhaps heart rates.

-Reduced recovery moment for those who put the vest on after completing task.

-Test participants comfort amounts were rated higher.

-Slower improve of core body temperature.