A method for shipboard treatment of multiple heat casualties.

A method is presented for the treatment aboard ship of multiple patients afflicted with life-threatening heat illness, using an inflatable life raft cooling system. The potential benefits of this method include: (1) the utilization of readily available materials aboard U.S. Naval vessels; (2) the provision for rapid patient cooling by evaporation while maintaining patient safety and comfort; (3) the ability to treat many patients simultaneously with minimal attendant personnel; and (4) the maintenance of patient access allowing for monitoring and the administration of additional supportive measures.