I see the benefit of rapid cooling in heatstroke but wonder also if the shock of suddenly cooling and overheated patient could trigger cardiac disturbances like a dangerously fast rhythm?
It is said that a goodly number of people die each year getting into bathtubs- not from falling, but from the shock of the water to the system- I would imagine that cold water is a huge shock too- especially to those who are already quite weak and can’t weather the heat well.
You make a good point. I think this technique is one that should only be used by professionals. If you feel effects coming on but not yet heatstroke you might be better off with partial immersion (like hands in very cold water to drain off heat more slowly). Probably some real experts online here
“I see the benefit of rapid cooling in heatstroke but wonder also if the shock of suddenly cooling and overheated patient could trigger cardiac disturbances like a dangerously fast rhythm?”
or cardiac arrest ... as a kid we were always warned about jumping into cold showers after overheating ...