Amidst the strengthening of legal obligations for heatstroke countermeasures in the workplace, what constitutes an "initial response after onset" that can be implemented on-site? We propose an initial response strategy that combines immediate cooling with risk assessment for severe progression using urine testing.

Ninebird Inc. (Chuo-ku, Osaka; President Yasushi Senda) will begin test sales of "Heatstroke Risk Pro (NB-200/Developed and Manufactured by Timewell Medical Co., Ltd.)," a research kit that can detect signs of strain on the kidneys, which are susceptible to heat stress, via urine in approximately 15 minutes without blood sampling, starting in June 2026, with full-scale sales commencing in July 2026. Following the "Heatstroke Rescue Bag (NB-001)" launched last summer, which provides "cooling" first aid, many sites are left with the anxiety of "Are they really recovered?" and "Are they truly okay?" It is impossible to assess all organ damage caused by heatstroke on-site. However, if even one sign – the strain on the kidneys – could be "visualized." With this in mind, we propose an initial response that combines "cooling (NB-001)" with "detection (NB-200)". In 2025, emergency transports due to heatstroke exceeded a record 100,000 people, and legal obligations for workplace heatstroke countermeasures are being strengthened. "Even if conscious, organs may already be under strain" – this initiative aims to detect subtle signs that are difficult to discern externally at an early stage on-site, facilitating medical consultation and information sharing with emergency services.

Why Now, "Initial Response After Onset"?

Record-Breaking Heatstroke Incidents

According to the Fire and Disaster Management Agency, from May to September 2025, there were 100,510 emergency transports due to heatstroke nationwide, exceeding 100,000 for the first time since data collection began in 2008, setting a new record. Of these, 117 individuals were confirmed deceased immediately after transport. Notably, the 17,229 transports in June marked a monthly record, demonstrating with data that "waiting until summer arrives is too late."

In June 2025, the revised Industrial Safety and Health Act came into effect, strengthening legal obligations for heatstroke countermeasures in the workplace. For all organizations, including corporations, municipalities, and educational institutions, it is now urgent to establish systems not only for "prevention" but also for "initial response after onset."

The Pitfall of Judging "Resting is Enough"

In some cases, it is difficult to assess the risk of severe progression of heatstroke based solely on external appearance or the individual's complaints. A prospective observational study published in Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation in 2022 (Shizuoka Prefectural Fuji Hospital, Japan Self-Defense Forces, targeting 44 heatstroke patients) provided important insights. It was reported that even among patients considered not to require hospitalization (Grade II, moderate), some had elevated serum creatinine levels indicating impaired kidney function.

"They are conscious, they can walk, so they are fine" – patients who appear this way may already have organ damage. "Invisible severe progression" that cannot be judged by external appearance alone. This is the starting point of this initiative.

Traditional Wisdom

This Proposal

Heatstroke countermeasures focus on prevention.

Need to establish initial response and rescue systems after onset.

Resting is sufficient.

Assess signs of severe progression risk after oral rehydration, as a reference for medical consultation or emergency calls.

Wait for an ambulance.

Cool down while waiting and hand over information.

Judge by feeling.

Utilize objective reference information.

Package Features: Combining "Cooling" and "Detecting"

This package integrates three functions: "cooling," "transport," and "assessment of severe progression risk." We deliver an initial response package based on scientific evidence to sites where traditional heatstroke countermeasures were limited to "hydration," "resting in the shade," and "partial cooling."

Ninebird Inc. is the developer, manufacturer, and seller of the Heatstroke Rescue Bag (NB-001). We are now commencing the handling (sales and implementation) of the "Heatstroke Risk Pro (NB-200)" (Developed and Manufactured by Timewell Medical Co., Ltd.), a research kit for measuring urinary biomarkers, and proposing it as a package combined with our rescue bag.

New Proposal: A Three-Stage Initial Response: "Prevention → Rescue → Assessment"

Why Check "Urine" for Heatstroke?

The kidneys are organs highly susceptible to heat stress and dehydration. "Heatstroke Risk Pro" is a research kit that easily measures L-FABP, a urinary protein indicator that sensitively reflects kidney stress. By collecting urine and checking for the presence of a line after 15 minutes, one can grasp signs of severe progression risk and use it as a reference for medical consultation or information sharing with emergency services.

Integrated Proposal for "Prevention → Rescue → Assessment" Three Stages

Stage

Role

Product/Action

1: Prevention

Hydration/Salt intake, rest, WBGT management

Thorough implementation of existing heat countermeasures

2: Rescue

Initial cooling before emergency services arrive

Heatstroke Rescue Bag (NB-001)

3: Assessment

Check for signs of severe progression risk via urine

Heatstroke Risk Pro (NB-200)

Traditional heatstroke countermeasures primarily focused on "Stage 1: Prevention." This new offering adds "Stage 2: Rescue" and "Stage 3: Assessment" to standardize the initial response when prevention is insufficient.

Product Overview

Product Name

Heatstroke Rescue Bag

Model Number

NB-001

Usage Size

1960×580×300mm

Storage Size

700×550×60mm

Weight

2.0kg

Material

Nylon, PVC

Required Water Volume

80L~130L

Load Capacity

100kg

Patent

Pending

Suggested Retail Price

¥50,000 (excl. tax) ¥55,000 (incl. tax)

Assessment – "Heatstroke Risk Pro" NB-200

Even when heatstroke symptoms subside, internal bodily changes may continue. This product is an auxiliary tool to help detect such subtle changes in physical condition. It can be used on-site in approximately 15 minutes without special equipment.

Product Name

Heatstroke Risk Pro

Model Number

NB-200

Measurement Method

Rapid immunochromatographic assay using urine (L-FABP)

Time Required

Minimum 15 minutes

Operation

3 steps (Urine collection → Dropping → Confirmation)

Features

No blood sampling, non-invasive / No equipment needed, completed on-site

Packaging

10 tests per box (10 uses)

Suggested Retail Price

¥29,800 (excl. tax) ¥32,780 (incl. tax)

Classification

Research kit (※Not intended for diagnosis or treatment)

Evidence: Over 13 Peer-Reviewed Papers

What is L-FABP?

L-FABP (Liver-type Fatty Acid Binding Protein) is a 14kDa fatty acid-binding protein specifically expressed in the proximal tubules of the kidneys. It is excreted in urine when the kidneys are under stress and is attracting attention as an early biomarker for acute kidney injury (AKI).

Why "Urine Instead of Blood"?

Traditionally, blood tests were required to evaluate organ damage in heatstroke. However, blood tests can only be performed at medical institutions and take time to yield results. Urinary L-FABP is compatible with POC (Point of Care) testing, which can be performed within 15 minutes on-site. Since blood sampling is not required, it can be used in locations other than hospitals, such as outdoor work sites, sports venues, and schools.

Over 13 Peer-Reviewed Papers

Research on L-FABP has been accumulated primarily by Dr. Ken Sugaya, Visiting Professor at St. Marianna University School of Medicine, and others. It has been validated in diverse populations including members of the Self-Defense Forces, marathon participants, and middle-aged and elderly individuals, with over 13 papers published in international peer-reviewed academic journals (including Scientific Reports 2025, Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation 2022, Journal of Applied Physiology 2022, etc.).

Transforming On-Site Response: Information for Handover to Emergency Services

Traditional On-Site Handover

"They seemed hot, so I had them rest in the shade."

Future On-Site Handover

"Discovered at 2:15 PM, cooling started at 2:20 PM, 80L of water used, oral rehydration administered. Conscious but experiencing nausea. Urine kit showed a line (sign of severe progression risk)."

By recording the results of Heatstroke Risk Pro, the condition at discovery, cooling start time, water volume, changes in symptoms, etc., and sharing this information with emergency services, it is expected that the handover from the site to medical and emergency care will become clearer.

How to Use On-Site (6 Steps)

※ Photos and videos are available for each step. We can provide media materials such as immersion cooling demonstrations, 3-step urine collection, T-line confirmation, and transport demonstrations.

1. Discover someone suspected of heatstroke – Check consciousness level, response to calls, unsteadiness, convulsions, body heat, etc.

2. Move to a cool place and call for emergency services – Move to shade or indoors. If necessary, call #7119 or 119.

3. Loosen clothing and prepare for cooling – Prepare the Heatstroke Rescue Bag for water filling. If the person can drink, administer oral rehydration.

4. Fill the Heatstroke Rescue Bag and begin cooling – Add water and immerse the affected person's body in the water.

5. Safely drain water while monitoring condition – While checking breathing, consciousness, and complaints of cold, stop cooling and drain water as needed. If the person can collect urine independently, a urine sample can be collected using "Heatstroke Risk Pro."

6. Hand over the situation to emergency services – Share the condition at discovery, cooling start time, water volume, and Heatstroke Risk Pro results with emergency personnel.

Comments from Stakeholders

Yasushi Senda, President, Ninebird Inc.

"Through three years of joint research with Osaka University, we have been working on the theme of 'filling the time gap before emergency services arrive.' The Heatstroke Rescue Bag can 'cool,' but after first aid is completed, the anxiety of 'Are they really okay?' always remained on-site. We cannot assess all the damage caused by heatstroke. However, if there is a means to detect even 'one sign' – strain on the kidneys – it should contribute even a little to on-site judgment and the peace of mind of the individual and their family. With that in mind, we decided to offer NB-200. We want to make 'cooling' and 'detecting' the norm on-site."

Ken Sugaya, Visiting Professor, St. Marianna University School of Medicine

"The risk of acute kidney injury in exertional heatstroke is often underestimated. The kidneys of individuals who appear well externally may already be under stress. I expect this research kit to serve as a reference for on-site personnel to detect signs of severe progression risk early and facilitate appropriate medical consultation and information provision to emergency services."

Future Developments

● July 15-17, 2026: Exhibition at the Heatstroke Countermeasures Exhibition (Tokyo Big Sight)

● August 20-22, 2026: Exhibition at the 34th Annual Meeting of the Japanese Society of Exercise Physiology

● Summer 2026: Full-scale adoption in the construction and sports industries

● September 16-18, 2026: Exhibition at the Green Cross Exhibition (Sapporo Sports Exchange Facility Tsudomu)

● FY2027 onwards: Promotion of integration into educational institutions and municipal disaster prevention plans

● Target FY2030: Widespread adoption in heat-affected sites nationwide

Reference Information

● Ninebird Inc. Official Website: https://www.n-bird.com

● Heatstroke Rescue Bag PR TIMES (July 2025): https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000001.000166461.html

● Heatstroke Risk Pro (L-FABP Information Site): https://fabp.jp/public/1-5.php

● L-FABP Related Research Papers: https://fabp.jp/research/exercise-heatstroke

Company Profile & Contact Information

Ninebird Inc.

A company based in Chuo-ku, Osaka, specializing in product development focused on "post-onset response" to heatstroke. Building on the development of IoT devices for measuring fever and body temperature over time, they have developed, manufactured, and sell the "Heatstroke Rescue Bag (NB-001)," an immediate cooling and transport assistance tool born from joint research with Osaka University.

3-4-14 Azuchi-machi, Chuo-ku, Osaka 541-0052, Mazda Building 6F / TEL 06-7777-1550 / https://www.n-bird.com

[Product Supplement] Regarding Heatstroke Risk Pro (NB-200)

"Heatstroke Risk Pro (NB-200)" is a research kit developed and manufactured by Timewell Medical Co., Ltd. It applies L-FABP biomarker technology, and Ninebird will introduce this product and propose it in combination with their Heatstroke Rescue Bag.

[Contact for Media Inquiries]

Ninebird Inc.

Contact: Yasushi Senda / TEL 06-7777-1550 / E-mail: [email protected]

※ Heatstroke Risk Pro is a research kit and is not intended for diagnosis or treatment. If you have concerns about your health or symptoms, please seek medical attention or consult #7119 or 119.

※ The Heatstroke Rescue Bag is not a medical device. It is an auxiliary tool to fill the time gap from calling 119 until handover to emergency services.

Product Photos

Heatstroke Rescue Bag NB-001

Heatstroke Risk Pro NB-200

※ In addition to the above, we can provide photos/videos of on-site usage scenarios, installation images, immersion cooling demonstrations, transport demonstrations, etc. Please contact us for media inquiries and material requests.

FACT BOX

  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: 企業発信