The team at JAG Physical Therapy provide a visual overview of this method, along with essential tips to keep in mind:
1. Check all vitals – blood pressure, pulse, breathing, and, most importantly, a temperature taken by rectal thermometer.
2. While team members are preparing a tarp, remove any excess clothing or equipment from the victim.
3. While the victim is being moved, EMS can be contacted.
4. Have assistance pick up each side of the tarp, forming a “TACO” around the victim.
5. Slowly pour cold water and ice over the victim, ideally up to their chest.
6. Oscillate the tarp back and forth to agitate the water and ice, beginning the cooling process.
7. Remove the victim from the tarp only when a rectal temperature reaches 102 degrees Fahrenheit.
8. From there, the victim can be transferred over to the nearest medical center.
Prepare for a heat-related illness by having the supplies ready to perform the TACO method, including coolers with water and a 10X10 tarp, at all venues of athletic participation.
For more information on this method, and much more, contact JAG PT today.
