If various injuries and small cuts occur in the first moments, cold can help. At the same time, a person may be far from the refrigerator, and cooling means may not be at hand. If such situations arise, the presence of hypothermic packets in the first aid kit is helpful. Such funds will quickly and efficiently help with small cuts, minor injuries and bruises.
Hypothermic package
This type of coolant is a plastic bag containing components for a chemical reaction, which results in a sharp decrease in the temperature of the bag to minus. The cooling bag is easy to apply for minor injuries and small cuts. With bruises, sprains and tears of the ligaments, as well as with small capillary cuts, during the transportation of certain types of drugs, such coolants are almost indispensable.
Operating principle
The principle of action of the hypothermic package is a chemical reaction, which results in a sharp decrease in temperature. Inside the bag is a fragile bag of water, and around it is ammonium nitrate (ammonium nitrate). When mixing these elements of the contents of the package, the water temperature drops to 0-5 ° C.
It must be remembered that with a sharp breakdown and intensive shaking of the hypothermic packet, the reaction proceeds faster and more cold is released, but the low temperature does not last long. This method of using the package is used for small cuts.
With less intense shaking of the package than in the first case, the reaction proceeds with less release of cold, but it lasts for a long time. This method is used for bruises and sprains.
If the package is torn, and liquid has got on the skin, rinse this place with cold running water. These situations arise very rarely, packages are made of durable materials. Drinking water from the bag is strictly prohibited.
Application
When injuries occur, damage to blood vessels occurs, their distension leads to an inflammatory process. The rupture of small capillaries leads to hemorrhage, forming a hematoma. Inflamed areas and a hematoma press on the receptors, which causes pain. The use of cold reduces vascular permeability, while reducing the likelihood of hematoma formation and tissue inflammation.
With small cuts and nosebleeds, the use of a hypothermic package allows you to quickly stop the blood. When transporting certain drugs, a lower temperature is required. Packages can keep it for a couple of hours.
The hypothermic package "Snowball" helps with burns without breaking the skin, insect bites, with some chronic diseases and arthritis, as well as with heat and sunstroke.
To activate the package, it should be placed on a flat surface and put a few blows on it with your fist. After rupture of a bag of water, a chemical reaction begins and cold is released. The retention time of the lowered temperature varies from 20 to 40 minutes, depending on the environment. If you use a thermal bag, the duration of the action is extended.
Advantages and disadvantages
Hypothermic packages have several advantages:
- This type of coolant does not require special storage conditions. They can be carried with you in your bag for a long time.
- They are applied directly to the damaged area without the use of a tissue pad.
The disadvantages of hypothermic packages include:
- Single use.
- Short duration of action.