Focal Interest
Focal Interest
AI Summary of Peer-Reviewed Research

This page presents an AI-generated summary of a published research paper. The original authors did not write or review this article. [See full disclosure ↓]

Publishing process signals: MODERATE — reflects the venue and review process. — venue and review process.

Prehospital cold water immersion showed rapid cooling in heat stroke

Military or emergency personnel in camouflage uniforms provide medical treatment to a patient inside what appears to be a military transport vehicle or helicopter, with medical equipment and supplies visible in the cramped interior space.
Research area:Emergency medicineHeat illnessEmergency medical services

What the study found

A prehospital cold water immersion (CWI) protocol was feasible in a large urban emergency medical services (EMS) system. The abstract states that it provided rapid temperature reduction and improved neurologic status in patients with heat stroke.

Why the authors say this matters

The authors say the findings suggest a meaningful clinical benefit and broad operational feasibility. They also conclude that further prospective, multicenter studies are needed to define the impact, optimize workflows, and guide wider adoption of prehospital immersion cooling.

What the researchers tested

The researchers evaluated a prehospital CWI protocol in a multisite collaboration focused on heat stroke patients in a large urban EMS system. The abstract does not provide additional details about study design, sample size, or comparison groups.

What worked and what didn't

According to the abstract, the protocol was feasible, and it was associated with rapid temperature reduction and improved neurologic status. The abstract does not report any outcomes that did not improve.

What to keep in mind

The available summary does not describe detailed methods, patient numbers, or limitations. The authors say more prospective, multicenter studies are needed to define the impact and optimize workflows.

Key points

  • Prehospital cold water immersion was described as feasible in a large urban EMS system.
  • The abstract says the protocol led to rapid temperature reduction in heat stroke patients.
  • Neurologic status improved according to the abstract.
  • The authors say the findings suggest meaningful clinical benefit and broad operational feasibility.
  • The abstract calls for further prospective, multicenter studies to define impact and optimize workflows.

Disclosure

Research title:
Prehospital cold water immersion showed rapid cooling in heat stroke
Authors:
Geoffrey Comp, Charles Finch, Kristina Kupanoff, Matthew Sandoval, Maki Lloyd, Narda Aldaco, David Kirk, Paul Pugsley, Lora Nordstrom, B Witkind Koenig, A Narang, Jerry W. Snow, Matthew Kamer, Alexandria Foster, Grace Patel, Jeffrey R. Stowell
Institutions:
Creighton University, University of Arizona, University of Phoenix, Valley Medical Center, Healthwise, Phoenix College, New York City Fire Department, Department of Education and Training, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, St. Joseph Medical Center in Tacoma, St. Joseph Medical Center, Banner – University Medical Center Phoenix, Banner Life Sciences (United States), Health Net, Naval Medical Center San Diego, Naval Medical Research Command, Naval Aerospace Medical Institute
Publication date:
2026-03-05
DOI:
10.1080/10903127.2026.2636148
OpenAlex record:
View
AI provenance: This post was generated by OpenAI. The original authors did not write or review this post.

More posts