Heat related illness is more likely when the environment is hot and humid. Here are some key strategies to help stay safe:

HYDRATE

By maintaining appropriate hydration levels you can prevent an increase in core body temperature during intense exercise in the heat. It has been found that for every 1% loss in body mass via sweat, core body temperature will increase by .5°F. Since fluid needs are dependent on an athlete’s sweat rate, it is important that there is specific rehydration plan in place for each athlete! But, generally speaking the intensity of activity, body size, and environmental conditions are the three biggest factors that determine sweat losses.

COOL YOUR BODY

By keeping your body cool, you can prevent a rise in core temperature! So remember, if you feel hot make sure to take steps to cool yourself including: decrease intensity of activity or take a break, lie in a cool, shady place or apply cooling towels to the body.

TAKE BREAKS

It is important to have appropriate work-to-rest ratios based on environmental conditions and specific athlete fitness! Most importantly, increase the number and length of breaks and make sure there is always water nearby to hydrate!

ACCLIMATIZE

Have athletes go through a heat acclimatization process at the beginning of an exercise period in order to help prevent exertional heat stroke. It will take time for the body to fully adapt to heat and other environmental factors so it is important to ease into activity and remember to stay hydrated! The first week in the heat is the most important time to think about heat safety (and whenever doing intense exercise in the heat).

STAY SMART

It is important that athletes, coaches and parents alike are educated on the right way to stay cool and prevent heat stroke. Also on the list of things to know are the signs and symptoms of heat stroke to make sure any instances are treated as early as possible. And remember, whenever possible within the confines of organized sport, an athletic trainer should be on site to provide appropriate medical care, especially when athletes are being worked hard in the heat. But, if there is no medical care available, call 911 immediately and use some of our previously mentioned cooling strategies if heat stroke is suspected!

how to treat EHS

The go-to solution for EHS is cold-water immersion as soon as EHS is suspected. Facilities should have cooling tubs on site in order to ensure survival. Any cooling that can be done on-site prior to hospital transportation is imperative. If a cold-water bath is not available, other options include: dousing with cold water from shower, hose, or buckets; ice/water towels over entire body (and change out towels every few minutes). The number of minutes the athlete is hyperthermic will determine if they will live, have permanent damage, or die. Make Herculean efforts to cool as fast as possible.

WHEN TO RETURN-TO-PLAY

Once a physician has evaluated an athlete, they should be able to return-to-play as long as they can tolerate exercise in the heat. Any predisposing factors that may have caused EHS should also be taken care of before an athlete makes a gradual and medically monitored return to sport. The return should be supervised by the athlete’s athletic trainer.