Cool First: Build a Cooling Station in Three Minutes
Given a simulated heat stroke at a race or tournament, each team has three minutes to set up a cooling station with whatever is at hand and split up the jobs. Students learn that in exertional heat stroke, cooling the person fast while help is on the way is what saves lives.
How to play
- Briefing: red flags (confusion, odd behavior, very hot skin, collapse) after exercise in the heat; call 911 and start cooling right away: shade, remove extra clothing, soaked towels swapped often, fanning, and small sips of water only if they're alert and can swallow (4 min).
- Team challenge in groups of six: on the signal, find shade, assign jobs (call, towels, fan, monitoring, companion, meeting the ambulance) and set up the station; the actor just sits down (3 min).
- Another team checks with a list: shade? 911 called with full details? towels being swapped? someone watching alertness? nobody giving water if confused? (4 min).
- Second round with a teacher curveball (no shade available, the person stops responding and you switch to the CPR sequence) (5 min).
- Clean-up and prevention talk: timing, breaks, hats, light clothing, water on hand (4 min).
Rules
- Water-soaked towels go on the actor's arms, neck and legs only if they agree; otherwise use a dummy or backpack.
- No running with full buckets: carry them half-full and in pairs.
- If anyone in the group actually feels unwell from the heat, the activity stops.
- Never give drinks to someone who is confused or unresponsive.
Variations
Easier
The teacher assigns the jobs and there's no curveball.
Standard
The team assigns its own jobs and there is one curveball.
Harder
Two casualties at once with different severity (heat exhaustion and heat stroke) and limited supplies.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: handle the 911 call and coordination with a school map.
- Visually impaired students: handle fanning and keep talking with the victim to check orientation.
- Students uneasy with the topic or who don't want to get wet: be the checker with the list.
Learning goals
- Recognize the red flags of exertional heat stroke.
- Organize effective cooling quickly with school supplies.
- Plan prevention measures for activities in the heat.
Equipment for a class of 25
- towels: 15
- buckets: 5
- water bottles: 10
- cardboard fans: 10
Teacher tip
No buckets? Cut-down water jugs work; fans are folded cardboard. The usual mistake is wasting minutes looking for a stretcher or moving the person far away: the message is cool now, on the spot, while help is coming.
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