Japan introduces walk-in cooling units to combat heatstroke

A new portable cooling system, the Do Hiemon Box, has been unveiled by a U.S. start‑up as a rapid‑response tool designed to prevent heatstroke during extreme weather events. The company claims the device delivers targeted, high‑intensity cooling to the body’s core temperature within seconds, using a phase‑change material that absorbs heat as it melts. The box is lightweight, battery‑powered, and can be deployed in a matter of minutes, making it suitable for use by emergency responders, sports teams, and outdoor workers who face sudden heat spikes.

The Do Hiemon Box was tested in a series of field trials across Arizona and Florida, where participants reported a significant drop in core temperature and a reduction in heat‑related symptoms after exposure to temperatures above 110 °F. According to the manufacturer, the system can be used in conjunction with standard hydration protocols, and its compact design allows it to be carried in a backpack or mounted on a vehicle. The company plans to seek regulatory clearance from the Food and Drug Administration before commercial release later this year.

If approved, the Do Hiemon Box could become a valuable addition to heat‑risk management strategies, offering a quick, non‑invasive method to mitigate heatstroke in high‑temperature environments. The device’s developers say it could reduce the incidence of heat‑related emergencies, potentially saving lives during the growing frequency of heatwaves worldwide.