In the fight against Exertional Heat Stroke (EHS), survival comes down to one absolute rule: rapid cooling. The golden standard for EHS treatment is Cold Water Immersion (CWI) using a dedicated immersion tub filled with ice and water. However, when heat stroke occurs in remote locations—such as cross-country courses, military field exercises, or rural construction sites—a tub isn’t always available.

That is where the TACO Method—short for Tarp-Assisted Cooling with Oscillation—saves lives.

What is the TACO Method?

Developed and extensively validated by sports medicine researchers, the TACO method provides a portable, low-cost alternative to traditional cold-water immersion tubs. It requires only three primary components:

  • A heavy-duty, waterproof vinyl or plastic tarp (typically 10×10 feet).
  • A minimum of 4 to 6 individuals (coaches, teammates, or medical staff).
  • 20 to 30 gallons of cold water combined with ice.

Step-by-Step Execution of the TACO Protocol

  1. Identify and Call for Emergency Assistance: Suspect EHS if an individual exhibits central nervous system dysfunction (confusion, irrational behavior, collapse) alongside extreme heat exertion. Direct someone to dial 911 immediately.
  2. Position the Patient: Carefully lay the affected individual in the center of the open tarp. Remove excess outer clothing, heavy pads, equipment, and footwear to maximize skin contact.
  3. Form the “Taco”: Rescuers grab the sides, top, and bottom handles of the tarp, lifting the edges off the ground to encase the patient in a sling shape—resembling a taco shell.
  4. Pour Ice and Water: Slowly pour ice water over the patient’s body, ensuring coverage up to the upper chest and neck area.
  5. Oscillate the Tarp: Rescuers continuously lift and lower their side of the tarp in a gentle, rhythmic motion. This constant oscillation agitates the ice water around the patient, preventing a layer of warmed water from forming next to the skin and maximizing heat extraction.

Why Every Athletic Program Needs a TACO Kit

Peer-reviewed clinical studies demonstrate that the TACO method achieves cooling rates comparable to standard cold-water immersion tubs. Having a dedicated “TACO Bag” (a folded heavy tarp and pre-chilled coolers) on the sidelines gives teams a portable, field-ready life-saving system anywhere they train.