The Use of Portable Refreezable Head Coolers to Reduce Thermal Strain during Moderate Work in a Hot Environment While Wearing a Chemical Defense Garment
Abstract
Heat Exposure is a problem in many military operations, particularly in the tropics and in hot areas of the USA. It afflicts people such as military pilots, astronauts, flight line crews, soldiers, steamfitters, firefighters, etc. These people are required to wear protective ensembles for different purposes; for reducing physiological strain due to acceleration; for protection against low barometric pressures; for chemical, biological, and radiation (CBR) protection, etc. Previous research has demonstrated that the human head is an excellent site for removing heat from the body and cooling of the head is an alternative for protecting people from heat exposure. Preliminary work (unpublished) conducted by Col. Mary Foley at Brooks AFB in San Antonio, TX, and at Wright-Patterson AFB in Dayton, OH, resulted in the development of a new moderately priced, portable, refreezable head cooler. This system was used in our experiment to investigate the effectiveness of head cooling for reducing heat strain, during physical work in the heat while wearing an impervious suit. Keywords: Head cooling, Heat exposure, Bicycle ergometry, Thermal balance, Heat stress, Heat strain, Chemical defense garment.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1987
- Accession Number
- ADA189273
Entities
People
- Melchor J. Antunano
Organizations
- Wright State University