Now,a vest to keep fire fighters stay cool!

The CoolMe vest can be worn under a protective suit to allow emergency workers to keep cool on the job,or it can be applied afterwards,to speed up recovery.

“A fire fighter wearing a protective suit in a hot and humid environment can experience temperatures up to 50ºC and lose up to two litres of fluid in just 30 minutes. It can take up to two hours for that worker to recover and be ready for redeployment.

“We’ve been able to reduce that recovery period to 30 minutes,as well as significantly reducing fluid loss,core temperature and thermal discomfort.

“Each vest is a disposable,single-use item made of recyclable materials. It can keep workers cool for short periods of high exertion,without requiring access to refrigeration or electricity.

“It’s very easy to use in the field and will benefit fire fighters’ recovery between call-outs. Being disposable eliminates any hygiene or contamination problems,” said Dr Glen Deakin,a team member.

The vest was developed in collaboration the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service in Australia.

Station Officer Ian Fulton,who took part in trials of the vest,said extreme conditions were exacerbated by the protective gear fire fighters wear. “Body heat can’t dissipate when you’re working in a protective suit,so that increases the risk of dehydration and heat stress.”

The team has formed GRW Industries to explore the commercial potential of the product.

“Although the vest has grown out of our work with tropical fire fighters,we think it will be well received by a range of emergency services,the military and in industrial settings. Keeping workers comfortable,and reducing their recovery time,allows for more efficient deployment of personnel,” Dr Deakin said.

GRW Industries is now working with consultants in industrial design from the University of Technology Sydney to prepare the vest for manufacture.