Heat Illnesses Policy

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Inclement Weather - Heat Policy
Inclement Weather - Cold Policy

Heat Illness Guidelines

A common misconception with heat illness is that it occurs progressively (the student-athlete gets heat cramps then heat exhaustion then heat stroke). This is not true. While a student-athlete may appear to be having no problems, they can rather suddenly have a heat stroke. The coaches and student-athletes need to be cognizant of heat illnesses to help the athletic trainers prevent serious injury.

Those with increased risk of heat illnesses include:

  • Student-athletes with higher body fat percentages
  • Student-athletes with a previous history of a heat illness
  • Student-athletes who are not properly acclimatized
  • Student-athletes who are not properly hydrated
  • Student-athletes using certain medications or dietary supplements

Heat Cramps

Signs & Symptoms:

  • Severe muscle cramps in arms, legs, and/or abdomen
  • Lack of heat acclimatization
  • Increased fatigue
  • Profuse sweating

Management

  • Immediately stop exercising
  • Consume water or electrolyte drink, additional sodium if needed
  • Stretch the involved muscles

Heat Exhaustion

Signs & Symptoms

  • Decrease in performance and physical fatigue
  • Dizziness and coordination problems
  • Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach/intestinal cramps
  • Increased respirations & pulse
  • Body temperature from 101-104º F, temp taken via rectal thermometer

Management

  • Immediately stop the exercise and move the student-athlete to a cool, shaded area
  • Loosen clothing and cool the student-athlete with wet towels or ice packs
  • Give student-athlete water or electrolyte drink
  • Have student-athlete lie comfortably with legs propped above heart level
  • If the student-athlete is not fully recovered within 30 minutes, seek medical attention
  • The student-athlete is not allowed to practice or compete for the remainder of the day

Heat Stroke

Signs & symptoms

  • Mental confusion (altered consciousness, coma, convulsions, irrational behavior, irritability)
  • Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
  • Hot and wet or dry skin (note: skin can be wet or dry in time of incident)
  • Increased heart rate, decreased blood pressure, increased respiratory rate
  • Temperature of or above 104º F, temp taken via rectal thermometer
  • Possible loss of consciousness

Management

  • This is a medical emergency. EMS must be activated because a delay in treatment can be fatal
  • Move the student-athlete to an ice bath in a shaded area if possible
  • Loosen clothing and cool with wet towels or ice pack
  • Do NOT allow EMS to transport student-athlete until core temperature has decreased to 102 F

Rectal Temperature

When managing heat illnesses, taking rectal temperature is the gold standard for care. This is the most accurate measurement for core body temperature to help determine the appropriate medical treatments. If a heat illness is suspected, a rectal thermometer should be used to assess body-core temperature to differentiate between various heat illnesses and determine the best treatment plan.

Great care will be taken when checking rectal temperature. Appropriate PPE will be donned. The athlete will be placed on their side with the top thigh lifted toward the chest. A towel should be placed over the buttocks for privacy. Lubricate the thermometer and insert the thermometer in the rectum 10 cm. If core temperature is 104 F or higher, the athlete will need to be dunked in an ice bath to start cooling. Leave the thermometer inserted to monitor temperature. Once core temperature is 102 F, remove the athlete to prevent over cooling.

If core body temperature is over 104, activate EMS. Cool first, transport second. Do not transport an athlete if the body-core temperature is over 104 F. The longer an athlete’s body-core temperature is 104 or higher, the higher risk of mortality and morbidity

Preventative Measures for Heat Illness:

  1. Ensure proper acclimatization to heat and humidity. (gradually increasing duration and intensity of exercise in the heat)
  2. Provide readily accessible fluids and advise the student-athlete to drink as much and as frequently as they like. (20 oz. 2-3 hrs before exercise, 8 oz. every 15 min during exercise, 20oz. For every pound lost)
  3. Frequent rest periods (in the shade if possible) should be allowed.
  4. Watch for any significant weight loss.
  5. Avoid heavy exertion during the hottest part of the day (1:00 pm - 4:00 pm).
  6. Student-athletes should eat appropriate meals with carbohydrates being about 60% of their intake.
  7. The student-athletes should sleep at least 6-8 hours in a cool environment. 
  8. Wear appropriate clothing made of breathable fabric.