Cooling Vests for K-9s

It is unseasonably hot and humid in the mid-Atlantic region of the US this week.  And quite frankly, all I can do is sit here and think of ways to get cool....and how much I wish I had a cooling vest to cool me off.  If it's this hot now, I can only imagine what summer is going to bring.

For those of us who spend a great deal of time outdoors, officers who wear heavy uniforms or those who wear second chance vests, your core temperature can get quite warm.  We have the option of locating a cooler place or utilizing cooling vest.  It got me thinking about K-9 working dogs.  They're ability to function is affected just as much as ours when they are suffering from heat exposure.  They are obviously kept in specialized transport vehicles, but how do they stay cool when they are being utilized outside or in excessive heat?

There is actually an option for your K-9!  GlacierTek has developed a vest for dogs.  It is called the RPCM Chilly Dog Cooling Vest.  What is RPCM?  RPCM (Renewable Phase Change Material) is made from high-technology processed fats and oils - it's classified as "food grade" by the FDA. Think of it as "second generation" phase change material for the 21st century. All other phase change material (PCM) cooling vests use old-style petroleum byproducts like hexadecane, which contain hazardous chemicals. If it doesn't say RPCM®, it's just not safe!  

RPCM Cooling Vests maintain a comfortable 59°F (15°C), while ice or gel based systems are too cold at 32°F (0°C) or less. RPCM Cool Packs quickly recharge in only 20 minutes in ice water. They can also be recharged in a fridge or freezer.

GlacierTek has an entire line of cooling vests for people as well....both adults and children.

Company Spotlight: First Line Technology (PhaseCore)

Generally we only stop to think about dealing with excessive heat in the summer, when it is hot and we are suffering through the brutal heat.  The weather is getting cooler/colder so it is probably far from your mind, but take a minute to check out this amazing product to help product yourself (and your department) when summer comes back around in a few months.

The normal human body's skin temperature is approximately 91.4 degrees Fahrenheit, with the comfort zone being between 82.4 and 100.0 degrees.  When the skin temperature rises above 100.0 degree Fahrenheit, the body becomes susceptible to heat-related illnesses.  This rise in temperature can happen when working in hot environments, during physical activity, and when wearing protective clothing.  First Line Technology has released a line of products called PhaseCore, which are aimed at helping the body to cool and maintain its normal temperature in hot environments by absorbing the body heat.  By absorbing the heat in your skin, PhaseCore offers a cooling effect which is very different from alternative cooling methods.  Alternative methods such as ice, gel, and other frozen liquids can over cool or shock the body, which can constrict blood flow causing physical discomfort and mobile restriction.

Tests completed in a hot environment have proven that PhaseCore technology is effective in helping to combat the rise in a person’s body surface temperature when in a hot environment. PhaseCore Cooling Vests are effective for three to four hours, actual time varies based on physical activity, body type, and the environmental conditions.  PhaseCore Cooling Vests can be recharged by storing the PhaseCore elements in an environment less than the activation point, such as room temperature. PhaseCore elements can be recharged more quickly in colder environments. Refrigeration is not required, but will make the recharge period shorter. PhaseCore elements are completely recharged when they return to a solid state. PhaseCore is simple, safe, and reusable.

PhaseCore cooling vests are recommended for first responders, fire fighters, law enforcement officers, military personnel, and industrial works.  There are multiple styles of vests available, including a flame retardant CarbonX vest that is safe for use by structural fire fighters.