A device and system designed for use in a pre-hospital setting to cool the brain after injury is described. The device incorporates a cold insert into an arch that fits around the neck of a subject, without obstructing the airway of the subject. A cold insert, such as a frozen fluid or endothermic packet, is disposed within one or both of the terminal ends of the arch, adjacent to one or both of the subject's carotid arteries. The cooling effect is specifically directed to cool the blood flowing through the carotid artery to the brain. A system incorporating the device with a temperature monitor is also disclosed. The system allows a health care professional to monitor and regulate cooling as required in the pre-hospital setting.