Gel pack safety/usefulness?

For icing injuries, I was going to use one of these blue gel packs that you put in the freezer.

But I've read on the internet that they are not really safe and can cause frostbite, or that they cool too quickly to be of use... all very conflicting information...

Are they good or bad? I was using ice cubes in water or frozen peas, but it's a pain to keep making new ice all the time, and the peas get mushy, so the gel seems more convenient.

Parry

Any form of ice is risky if not placed in a safe manner. Ideally you want to place whatever item you are using between a towel or thick cloth with some damp to allow for cooling without risk.