RecoverIce

     For generations, warm and cold compresses have been used to treat injuries. These have evolved from ice wrapped in towels or plastic bags to warming and cooling ointments, on to single-use chemical-based heat and ice packs, as well as reusable gel-based heat and cold packs. Most of these solutions can only treat specific areas of the body, and they tend to have short durations of effectiveness. Some may actually damage skin if used improperly or for longer than recommended.

     Tech Trade LLC, based in New York, NY, has introduced a new product, RecoverIce, which is a wrap-type bandage designed to use cold to treat injuries in a way that differs from traditional compresses: It simultaneously applies both cold and circumferential compression. It has mainly been marketed as a means to treat sports injuries, but is also applicable for use in the prehospital environment.

     RecoverIce is packaged in medium (40 inches) and large (80 inches) sizes, with the medium typically used for injuries involving the ankles, knees, calves, wrists and elbows, and the large designed for the upper leg and thigh, back and shoulders. Its cooling agent is activated by air and begins working as soon as the package is opened. It provides cooling for up to two hours.

     The wrap is as easy to apply as traditional wrap-style bandages, and maintains its position without tape or clips. Additionally, though RecoverIce will maintain cool temperatures for extended periods of time, no subsequent discomfort or skin irritation or damage—as is commonly encountered after using ice for similar durations—was noted during or after its application. EMS providers who utilize RecoverIce should be mindful of circulation in the affected area, and not wrap too tightly.

     The only drawback to RecoverIce is its price, which is a bit more expensive per unit than standard single-use ice packs, and slightly more expensive than reusable cold compresses. But RecoverIce certainly has applicability to muscular bruises, sprains, strains and fractures encountered in the prehospital setting.

     For more information, e-mail info@techtradellc.com, or call 866/491-TECH ext. 108.

     Timothy J. Perkins, BS, EMT-P, is the EMS systems planner for the Virginia Department of Health's Office of EMS. E-mail him at tjperkins5@yahoo.com.