Exertional heat stroke is arguably one of the most serious medical conditions that can affect athletes. Up to 15% of patients die. Others suffer permanent organ and neurological damage.
What is exertional heat stroke?
By definition, exertional heat stroke encompasses a core body temperature greater than 40°C (104°F) and altered mental status. It is believed to be the culmination of overheating from either dangerous environmental conditions or increases in body temperature from exertion, or both.
In this video, I discuss how athletic trainers and doctors can recognize and treat athletes suffering this emergency.
Recognition of heat stroke
A baseline measurement of the athlete’s core body temperature is critical. The athletic trainer should take a rectal temperature, as it is better at determining core body temperature than other methods of taking a person’s temperature.
Also read:
Ensure treatment plans in place in case of exertional heat stroke
On-site treatment
If an athlete does suffer heat stroke, athletic trainers and doctors can still prevent the athlete from dying if they recognize it and start treatment immediately.
It’s critical that doctors and athletic trainers recognize any alterations in mental status or other central nervous system dysfunction and obtain a rectal temperature to properly assess core body temperature. Then the medical staff must treat the athlete on site instead of first transporting him to hospital. They should use cold water immersion – putting him in a cold bath – to get his temperature down below 104°F. Then the athlete can be transported to a hospital.
In my new book, That’s Gotta Hurt: The Injuries That Changed Sports Forever, I discuss exertional heat stroke and how we can prevent it and treat it if an athlete develops the condition. If you have kids who play football or other sports in hot and humid conditions, you should read it and take steps to keep your kids healthy. Click here to get your copy!
Also read:
Exertional heat stroke and the importance of on-site treatment
Recommended Products and Resources
Click here to go to Dr. David Geier’s Amazon Influencer store!
Due to a large number of questions I have received over the years asking about products for health, injuries, performance, and other areas of sports, exercise, work and life, I have created an Amazon Influencer page. While this information and these products are not intended to treat any specific injury or illness you have, they are products I use personally, have used or have tried, or I have recommended to others. THE SITE MAY OFFER HEALTH, FITNESS, NUTRITIONAL AND OTHER SUCH INFORMATION, BUT SUCH INFORMATION IS DESIGNED FOR EDUCATIONAL AND INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. THE CONTENT DOES NOT AND IS NOT INTENDED TO CONVEY MEDICAL ADVICE AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PRACTICE OF MEDICINE. YOU SHOULD NOT RELY ON THIS INFORMATION AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR, NOR DOES IT REPLACE, PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE, DIAGNOSIS, OR TREATMENT. THE SITE IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY ACTIONS OR INACTION ON A USER’S PART BASED ON THE INFORMATION THAT IS PRESENTED ON THE SITE. Please note that as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.