Exertional Heat Stroke in the Athletic Setting

A Review of the Literature

Lopez, Rebecca M. PhD, ATC, CSCS
Casa, Douglas J. PhD, ATC, FNATA, FACSM
McDermott, Brendon P. PhD, ATC
Stearns, Rebecca L. MA, ATC
Armstrong, Lawrence E. PhD, FASCM
Maresh, Carl M. PhD, FACSM

Dr Lopez is from the University of South Florida, Tampa, Fla. Dr Casa, Ms Stearns, Dr Armstrong, and Dr Maresh are from the University of Connecticut, Storrs, Conn. Dr McDermott is from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Chattanooga, Tenn. All authors are affiliated with the Korey Stringer Institute, Storrs, Conn.

The authors have no financial or proprietary interest in the materials presented herein.

Address correspondence to Rebecca M. Lopez, PhD, ATC, CSCS, College of Medicine, Department of Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, University of South Florida, 13220 USF Laurel Drive, MDF 5115, Mail Code: MDC106, Tampa, FL 33612; e-mail: [email protected].

Received March 11, 2010

Accepted October 29, 2010

Athletic Training & Sports Health Care 3(4):p 189-200, July 01, 2011. | DOI: 10.3928/19425864-20101230-06

Research has shown that death from exertional heat stroke can be prevented. The purpose of this article is to discuss ways to ensure that athletes are heat acclimatized prior to exercising in the heat, as well as the means by which death from exertional heat stroke in athletics could be prevented. Ensuring rapid recognition of exertional heat stroke via rectal temperature and cooling with cold water immersion prior to transport to a hospital are the essential means of preventing death from exertional heat stroke. Having medical professionals, such as certified athletic trainers and physicians, present at athletic practices and events is essential in the proper recognition and treatment of an exertional heat stroke. In the event of an exertional heat stroke, it is imperative to ensure a safe recovery and return to training by determining the causes of the exertional heat stroke and making necessary modifications.