How the I‑CWIK® Supports Rapid Cooling and Emergency Treatment of Exertional Heat Illness

How Well Does the I‑CWIK® Insulate?

Field-Ready Temperature Retention in Extreme Conditions

The Ice-Cold Water Immersion Kit (I‑CWIK®) is purpose-built for demanding environments. Its high-grade Belgian PVC construction offers excellent thermal resistance, helping maintain low water temperatures even in direct sun or high ambient heat.

In real-world use, whether at ultra-endurance races, military exercises, or heat-intensive job sites, the I‑CWIK® reliably retains cold long enough to support the critical 15–20 minute cooling window required for treating Exertional Heat Stroke (EHS).

To extend the cooling effect in hotter conditions:

  • Add additional ice during immersion when available;
  • Pre-stage cold water sources (e.g. jerry cans, bowsers, ice bags) nearby;
  • Keep the unit shaded; the dark outer layer already helps reduce radiant heat, but tented environments improve performance further.

Event planner tip: A shaded setup zone or tented medic area can make a measurable difference in water temperature retention.

Do You Need to Keep Adding Ice to the I‑CWIK®?

What Field Medics Should Know ?

One of the most common questions from sports medics and field clinicians is,

“Will I need to keep adding ice during treatment?”

The answer: potentially, yes. While the I‑CWIK® insulates extremely well, immersion water can warm quickly once a hyperthermic casualty is inside, especially if their core temperature exceeds 40.5°C (105°F).

To maintain effective cooling throughout treatment:

  • Start with ice-cold or pre-chilled water;
  • Have a process in place for topping up ice (coolers, event ice bags, etc.);
  • Assign someone to monitor the water temperature and circulation.

The I‑CWIK® is designed for efficient setup and replenishment, so even in high-pressure scenarios, it’s easy to adjust and keep cooling effective.

How to Circulate Water in the I‑CWIK® During Immersion?

Maximizing Cooling Efficiency with Minimal Equipment

Effective cold water immersion isn’t just about cold water; it’s also about keeping that water moving.
In the I‑CWIK®, medics and responders can gently knead or agitate the side panels to encourage water flow across the casualty’s skin. This helps:
To maintain effective cooling throughout treatment:

  • Avoid stagnant warm water “zones” forming around the body;
  • Improve overall heat transfer through convection;
  • Sustain rapid core cooling, even without powered circulation.

Teams can also occasionally replenish warm water with fresh cold or iced water to enhance the cooling effect during prolonged treatment.
The I‑CWIK® is designed with side access in mind, giving medics the ability to interact with, assess, and support the patient throughout the immersion.

What If the Patient Is Vomiting or at Risk of Aspiration?

Positioning Options with the I‑CWIK®

One concern during EHI treatment is the risk of aspiration, particularly if the casualty is vomiting while lying supine.

The I‑CWIK® can be positioned on a trolley or gurney with a slight head-up tilt. This small incline can:

To maintain effective cooling throughout treatment:

  • Reduce aspiration risk;
  • Improve comfort for patients with nausea;
  • Still allow full-body immersion and effective core cooling.

In the field, responders often prop up the head end with towels, foam blocks, or stretcher adjustments, using simple techniques that make a meaningful difference while maintaining immersion effectiveness.
The system’s flexible design supports this kind of positional adjustment, which is one more reason it’s trusted in unpredictable and high-stress environments.