The Kore Kooler Rehab Chair is a modified folding chair with arm
reservoirs that contain plastic bags filled with ambient temperature water. After each rehab, the bags are removed with the water they contain and a new bag is inserted to be filled with clean water. Foot immersion is far more difficult logistically on the fireground; and while it could also be done, the studies show that forearm immersion alone delivers almost the same cooling power. There is no need to cool the water in the reservoirs; ambient temperature water from a house spigot, engine pump or hydrant works perfectly.
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The chair weight capacity is rated at 300 lbs (136.09 kg) and features wide rail construction to
accommodate the bulk of turnout gear. - The sling construction mimics a hammock effect to relax and support the firefighter in perfect limb immersion position comfortably.
- There is an optional REHAB Sun Shade (highly recommended) which clamps to the chair. The Sun Shade has a tension shaft to allow perfect placement for sun shielding. This allows us to keep the Sun Shade small enough so as not to obstruct the area of other rehab chair users.
- The REHAB Sun Shade can be silk screened with your fire department’s logo or apparatus marking.
- Blue is standard colour.
- Replacement packs of reservoir bags are highly recommended with chair purchases.
The Research
Earlier technologies (ice vests, misting fans and even cryogenics) often
effectively reduced skin temperature and hence firefighter comfort
perceptions, but the latest research shows that the core temperature often was
still climbing (perhaps because the temperature gradient was so great that
vascular constriction occurred and prevented the movement of the cooling
exposure to the core of the body).
This information is important since NFPA statistics show stress is the number one cause of firefighter injury and fatalities. The disconnect between perceptions of comfort and core temperature with earlier "cooling" technologies could encourage a firefighter to dangerously resume work while still overstressed.
Part #566610100 Kore Kooler Rehab chair (blue) with vented carry bag and 2 disposable arm bags.
