A kit and method for cooling the carotid arteries includes cervical immobilization collar includes a substantially annular support structure having an extended axial length, at least two cheek support structures having an extended vertical length, and an anterior opening that may be covered with a door. The door has a body-facing surface on which a pressure member may be secured and an outward-facing surface. The kit and method also includes a cooling element that may be disposed within the anterior opening and can be secured to the substantially annular support structure by placing the cooling element between the anterior portion of a patients neck and the pressure member located on the door.
