Recognize and Preventing Heat Illness

Recognizing heat illness is crucial, especially for athletes, coaches, and individuals exposed to high temperatures, as it can be life-threatening if not addressed promptly. Heat-related illnesses, including heat exhaustion and heat stroke, occur when the body struggles to regulate its temperature, leading to dehydration, dizziness, nausea, confusion, and, in severe cases, organ failure. Early recognition of symptoms can prevent escalation and ensure timely intervention, such as moving to a cooler environment, hydrating, and applying cooling measures. For athletes, proper education on heat illness can enhance performance and safety, reducing the risk of heat-related injuries.
Coaches and trainers must implement preventive strategies, such as acclimatization, scheduled hydration breaks, and monitoring for warning signs. In extreme cases, untreated heat stroke can result in unconsciousness, long-term health complications, or even death.
​Heat illness is not exclusive to athletes; workers in high-heat environments, children, and the elderly are also vulnerable. By fostering awareness and enforcing safety protocols, individuals and organizations can protect themselves and others from the dangers of heat stress.
Proactively addressing heat illness not only saves lives but also promotes overall well-being, ensuring that physical activities and daily tasks can be performed safely, even in hot conditions.

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 Beat The Heat Check List 

• Drink Water Before - During and After Practice
• Wear Sunscreen
• Bring an extra water bottle full of ice 
• Bring Orange Slices
• Bring a wash cloth to wet with cold water and cool off on the side line
• Have Pop Up Tents for Shade 
• Let a Coach know if you feel sick, dizzy or weak 

​Watch for on the field 

• Heavy sweating
• Painful muscle cramps
• Extreme weakness and/or fatigue
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Dizziness and/or headache
• Body temperature normal or slightly high
• Fainting
• Pulse fast and weak
• Breathing fast and shallow
• Clammy, pale, cool, and/or moist skin

DANGER Signs of HEAT STROKE
CALL 911!!!

• No sweating because the body cannot release heat or cool down
• Mental confusion, delirium, convulsions, dizziness
• Hot and dry skin (e.g., red, bluish, or mottled)
• Muscles may twitch uncontrollably
• Pulse can be rapid and weak
• Throbbing headache, shallow breathing, seizures and/or fits
• Unconsciousness and coma
• Body temperature may range from 102° - 104° F or higher within 10-15 minutes

If the muscles begin to twitch uncontrollably, keep the person from self-injury. Do not place any objects in the mouth.
Monitor body temperature and continue cooling efforts until emergency medical treatment is provided.