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Heat Stroke

Signs and Symptoms of Heat Stroke: 

  • Core (Rectal) Temperature >104 °F

  • CNS Dysfunction

  • Irrational Behavior

  • Disorientation

  • Collapse or Staggering/Sluggish Feeling

  • Altered Consciousness

  • Seizures or Convulsions

  • Hot, Red, Damp, or Dry Skin associated with Little to No Sweating

  • Fast Strong Pulse and Rapid Shallow Breathing

  • Nausea or Vomiting

  • Diarrhea

Treatment:

Call 911 Immediately!

  • Move athlete to a cool shaded area and remove equipment/excess clothing.

  • Cool athlete as quickly as possible within 30 minutes via whole body cold water immersion.

  • If cold-water immersion is not available, then the “taco method” will be utilized. 

  • Transport should not occur until the core (rectal) temperature is below 102°F or until athlete is shivering.

  • Minimizing the length of time at which an athlete’s core (rectal) temperature is above 104°F is imperative!

Heat Exhaustion

Signs and Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion:

  • Core (Rectal) temperature <102°F

  • Weakness

  • Dizziness

  • Confused

  • May Lose Consciousness

  • Cold, Pale, and Clammy Skin associated with Profuse Sweating

  • Fast Weak Pulse and Rapid Shallow Breathing

  • Nausea or Vomiting

  • Dehydration

Treatment:

  • Remove the athlete from physical activity immediately!

  • Move to a cool shaded area and remove equipment/excess clothing.

  • Monitor vital signs.

  • Cool down with ice towels or ice bags to promote recovery.

  • Elevate legs and rehydrate 

  • If the athlete does not improve, then they need to be transported to an emergency medical facility.

Heat Syncope

Signs and Symptoms of Heat Syncope:

  • Fainting or Feeling Faint in Hot Rising Temperatures

  • Weakness

  • Dizziness

  • Blurred Vision

  • Thirst

Treatment:

  • Rest in a cool environment.

  • Increase water and electrolyte intake.

  • Elevate legs.

Get Medical Attention Right Away: 

  • Symptoms last longer than 10-15 minutes.

  • Repeated episodes of fainting or other symptoms worsen.

Heat Cramps

Signs and Symptoms of Heat Cramps:

  • Painful Involuntary Muscle Spasms

  • Profuse Sweating 

  • Fatigue

  • Dehydrated

Treatment:

  • Rest in cool environment.

  • Increase water and electrolyte intake.

  • Wait for heat cramps to go away before continuing physical activity.  

Get Medical Attention Right Away: 

  • Heat cramps last longer than 1 hour.  

  • Athlete on a low sodium diet.