Historical development of heat stroke prevention device in the military.

Understanding of core body temperature, heat stress and heat stroke developed progressively over the centuries. Soldiers involved in military operations have a higher risk to develop heat stroke, and to not survive following the onset. This paper follows the evolving understanding of heat stroke and development of counter measures. At certain times in history, incomplete understanding of the causes of heat stroke led to the development of devices that did not lower the risk. As understanding improved, development of improved methods and devices became possible. In the present day, several designs for garments that can lower core body temperature or brain temperature have been developed, and would reduce the risk of heat stroke. These cooling devices include a vest and collar system. Further refinements of these designs to make them more practical would allow wider deployment.