How to Activate Instant Cold Packs

Instant cold packs are plastic packages filled with a mixture of ammonium nitrate and water, each in a separate compartment. When the barrier separating the ingredients is broken, the ammonium nitrate dissolves in the water, rapidly cooling it to a near-freezing temperature. Instant cold packs can be used to reduce swelling and temporarily relieve pain from sprains, aching joints and sore muscles.

Instructions

• 1

  Remove the cold pack from its box or outer packaging.

• 2

  Squeeze the cold pack firmly, which releases the pack's ammonium nitrate chemicals into the water also within the pack.

• 3

  Shake the cold pack to dissolve the ammonium nitrate crystals. The pack will begin to get cold almost immediately and should remain cold for approximately 20 minutes.