A Guide to Heat Acclimatization and Heat Illness Prevention

A Guide to Heat Acclimatization and Heat Illness Prevention-2

 

A Guide to Heat Acclimatization and Heat Illness Prevention

Course Objectives:

• Recognize that Exertional Heatstroke (EHS) is the leading preventable cause of death among athletes.
• Know the importance of a formal pre-season heat acclimatization plan.
• Know the importance of having and implementing a specific hydration plan, keeping your athletes well-hydrated, and providing ample opportunities for, and encouraging, regular fluid replacement.
• Know the importance of appropriately modifying activities in relation to the environmental heat stress and contributing risk factors (e.g., illness, overweight) to keep your athletes safe and performing well.
• Know the importance for all staff to closely monitor all athletes during practice and training in the heat, and recognize the signs and symptoms of developing heat illness.
• Know the importance of, and resources for, establishing an Emergency Action Plan and promptly implementing it in case of suspected EHS or other medical emergency.

 

Unit 1: Go slow and progressive

• Acclimatization can take up to 10-14 days
• Build a period of acclimation into the first 2 weeks of practice.

 

Unit 2: Allow for individual conditioning and medical status

• Factors contributing to higher risk for heat illness
  • Equipment
  • Body composition
• Athletes with Sickle Cell trait

 

Unit 3: Adjust intensity and rest

• Be aware of weather and humidity levels

 

Unit 4: Start sessions adequately hydrated

• Dehydration can impair athletic performance
• There isn’t a “one-size-fits-all” hydration approach
• Dehydration occurs when a person loses more fluid than he or she consumes
• Know the warning signs of dehydration
• Monitor urine color
• Weigh in/weigh out
• Know what your athletes drink
• Water
• Sports drinks

 

Unit 5: Recognize signs early

 

Unit 6: Recognize more serious signs

 

Unit 7:  Have an Emergency Action Plan