Extreme Heat Cool Down
July 17, 2024 
Blog 
Administrator
At this time of year, most people who work outside including those who need to wear heavy gear such as warfighters, firemen, and policemen, are looking for ways to get cool and stay cool. Some turn to PCM cooling vests and we consider those a wise choice; but exactly how do they work?
How PCM Cooling Vests Work
PCM cooling vests such as the First Line Technology PhaseCore XPC Vest and their PhaseCore Standard Mesh Cooling Vest, utilize cooling elements containing PCM (Phase-Change Material). These elements are body-heat activated when skin temperature becomes warmer than 82°F. Once activated they absorb the heat from the body. As they do so, they provide a gradual 72°F cooling effect that can last up to four hours.
PCM cooling elements have a large cooling capacity that is released slowly over a long period of time, offering a constant and consistent cooling effect. The PhaseCore XPC Cooling Vest has an average cooling time of 4 hours. The PhaseCore Standard Mesh has an average cooling time of 3 hours.
Cooling Longevity
The cooling longevity of PCM elements depends on a number of factors including:
- Which brand of PCM elements/packs and the number being used
- What is worn over the PCM vest
- The ambient temperature in which the PCM vest will be used
- How active the user is while wearing the PCM vest
Much like ice, when PCM elements have stored the maximum amount of cooling energy they turn solid. Once this energy is released, the PCM elements turn back to liquid. However, unlike ice, PCM elements have a melting point that make them far more comfortable for cooling close to the skin, yet they do not over cool the body. The First Line Technology PhaseCore Cooling Elements can be used over and over again (approximately 1,000 times), making them an economical choice for remaining cool during extreme heat.
When used properly PCM cooling vests can help prevent overheating and heat stress. Often, they are used under clothing because unlike evaporation vests, PCM cooling vests do not need airflow to be effective. We highly recommend two sets of PCM elements when using a PCM vest, one set that can be worn, and one set that is being recharged, so that users can remain cool all day.
The Advantages of First Line Technology PhaseCore Cooling Vests
First Line Technology PhaseCore Cooling Vests have significant advantages over ice and gel pack cooling vests, and over water or air-cooled vests including:
- Salt-based elements activate at 82.4° F (the moment the user puts on the vest)
- They produce an average cooling effect of 72° F for an extended period
- They are machine washable
- They can be stored and recharged without ice, water, or refrigeration
- The cooling elements can be recharged over 1,000 times
- Does not require battery power to use
How to Recharge PCM Elements
First Line Technology PhaseCore Elements can be recharged on ice or in an ice bath, in a refrigerator or freezer, and they can even be recharged at room temperature (depending on ambient temperature). The approximate time it takes to recharge elements is below.
First Line Technology PhaseCore Elements are recharged and ready for use when they are completely solid. They will remain recharged for up to 8 hours when stored in a bag such as the First Line Technology PhaseCore Transport Bag. Tests completed in a hot environment demonstrated that the PhaseCore Cooling Transport Bag is capable of keeping four (4) PhaseCore Cooling Vests with 28 Elements fully charged for a complete 8-hour work shift in 95°F (35°C) heat.
It is important to note that PhaseCore Cooling Vests are meant to prevent heat stress situations, and do not treat heat stress once a person is experiencing symptoms.
Treating Heat Illness and Cooling Down
An Immersion bath such as the First Line Technology Immersion Cooling Equipment (ICE) is a lightweight, portable, and durable solution for preventing and treating heat illness. It is often deployed by military personnel, first responders, and athletes. The ICE System enables up to six users to rapidly cool their core body temperature within minutes and allows for immediate treatment of heat exertion injury by means of cold-water immersion. It produces no noise or fumes and is about one fourth to one third the cost of powered water or air-cooling units.
The Benefits of ICEThe benefits of the First Line Technology Immersion Cooling Equipment include:
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The First Line Technology Immersion Cooling Equipment has a 600lb capacity in the event that full-body immersion is needed. It sets up in under 2 minutes and folds flat for simple, easy transport and storage. All these benefits and features make the ICE an ideal choice for managing the effects of extreme heat environments for multiple people at one time.