A brain-cooling device for crash helmets, developed at Sussex University’s Innovation Centre, could save hundreds of lives in the UK each year.

ThermaHelm performs like an instant ice pack when activated by sudden impact, which reduces brain swelling and the risk of long-term brain damage, and extends the critical window paramedics and accident and emergency teams have to perform their life-saving skills.

Although the invention is at prototype stage, it has prompted significant interest from safety helmet manufacturers in Europe and Japan.