Phase 1 — Preparing the System

1. Have the Polar Life Pod® and three to four (3-4) 10-gallon insulated containers of ice water (about 30-40 gallons) ready to use. Larger individuals may require more ice water to achieve desired full coverage and more ice water will result in faster cooling. A recent study by Dr. Kevin Miller of Texas State University found ‘ideal’ cooling rates could be met with as little as 20 gallons of ice water. Faster cooling does occur with more water and more water is necessary for larger individuals and preferable when possible.
2. Clear the area of electrical equipment and gather your helpers.

Phase 2 — Setting up the Pod

1. Remove the Pod from its bag and unroll it on any flat surface, with the zipper at the feet, unzipped and open. Unbuckle straps prior to use.
2. Confirm the floating head support is seated in the hood: raised neck support under the neck, curved narrow side toward the top of the hood. (Upside down heart shape). Have the ear plugs ready.

Phase 3 — Position the individual

1. Maneuver the individual into the Pod with their head inside the hood, resting on the floating head support so the airways stay clear and above the water. Insert the ear plugs.
2. Zip the Pod a third of the way, securing the straps as you go. For smaller individuals, fold the foot of the Pod under to adjust to their height.

Phase 4 — Fill and immerse

1. Begin pouring ice water in just to the side of the individual. Avoid pouring near the head or directly on the chest to prevent airway complications.
2. Fill until there is chest, neck, and partial head coverage (roughly 30 to 40 gallons, larger individuals may require more ice water to achieve desired full coverage). A small amount of leakage around the openings and zipper is normal.
3. While filling, supervise continuously and monitor the head and floating head support to keep the airway clear.
4. Zip the Pod up the rest of the way while securing the remaining straps. If the zipper cannot close due to individual’s girth, bring the sides close and secure them with the straps while volunteers hold the sides up, then fill as normal.

Phase 5 — Monitor and maintain

1. Agitate the water continuously by gently rocking the foot of the bag to optimize cooling.
2. Place the thermometer sensor into the Pod and monitor the water temperature, keeping it within your target range.
3. If the water warms above range: drain some from the foot, partially open the top zipper while assistants hold the sides up, and add ice water a safe distance from the head. Repeat as needed.
4. Arm ports: to monitor vitals while maintaining immersion, un-velcro an access point and extend the arm out through the sleeve past the elbow. Mid-Pod access port: designed for a rectal thermometer, the most accurate way to track core body temperature. The Pod includes a water temperature thermometer only; a rectal thermometer is not provided and should be supplied by the responder of the facility.
5. Do not over-cool. Follow your organization’s established protocol for cooling duration and body temperature measurement.

Phase 6 — After use: remove and drain

1. When cooling is complete per your protocol, release the straps, open the zipper, and assist the individual out, continuing care and transport per your organization’s established protocol.
2. Drain the remaining water from the foot of the Pod at a safe distance.

Phase 7 — Care and Maintenance

1. Allow Pod to air-dry overnight. Once dry, spray inside the Pod generously with a 10% bleach solution. Inspect, water-test, and clean the Pod at least once per year and after every use. Test with water again after any extended storage before relying on it.
2. The PLP® should never be roughly handled, severely crushed or treated harshly.
3. Be sure the PLP® is totally dry before storage and always store in a cool, clean and dry environment. Note: Be sure to store the floating head support un-bagged to allow residual water to dry out.

Phase 8 — Inspect regularly

1. Inspect, water-test, and clean the Pod at least once per year and after every use. Test with water again after any extended storage before relying on it. Slight tearing at the arm ports or mid-Pod access port during use is normal, does not affect performance, and is not a defect.