GREAT HEART ACADEMIES
HEAT ILLNESS AWARENESS & PRACTICE PROTOCOL
One of the most critical things a GH network coach can do is to educate his/her
athletes and parents about the signs and symptoms of dehydration and the proper
steps to take in reducing the risk of heat related illness.
The Practice Protocol for GH Academies is driven by the Heat Index which is a
calculation that combines temperature and the relative humidity. Temperature and
relative humidity for any location can be found at weather sites like
http://www.intellicast.com . It is recommended that network AD’s/AT’s input that
information into the federal government site
http://www.hpc.ncep.noaa.gov/html/heatindex.shtml) to calculate the heat index
rather than relying on the heat index numbers on weather sites which can be slightly
different
(NOTE: When it is raining, the heat index may be modified at the discretion of the
coach and athletic trainer.)
It is important to understand that both air temperature and relative humidity (RH) play
major roles in determining whether or not practice should be rescheduled or modified.
Many times it is the RH and not the temperature that is the determining factor. There are
three different zones (below danger zone, danger zone and critical zone) that list
conditions from moderate to severe. The Certified Athletic Trainer and if not available,
Head Coach at each school determines these zones from the combination of
temperature and humidity.
PRACTICE PROTOCOL
Under 105
106-114
115 - 129
Normal Zone
Practice as normally conducted. Water available and
breaks given.
Water breaks every 20 minutes or as needed by the
individual.
Caution Zone
Practice with modifications. Modifications may include;
reduced amount of equipment worn, adjusted practice
time, reduced running schedule. Water available and
more frequent breaks given – every 15 minutes. Increased
supervision by Athletic Training Staff and Coaches.
Danger Zone
Practice may bmodified, postponed, or cancelled:
Modifications may include; no equipment worn or no
running schedule. Water available and breaks given
every 10 minutes (or earlier if warranted) with practice
following a 10 minute on – 5 minute water break cycle if
outdoors. Practice moved indoors if possible. Practice
may be postponed until reading is no longer in the critical
zone. Increased supervision by Athletic Training Staff and
Coaches.
Above 130 Critical Zone
All non-essential outdoor activities will be
cancelled until heat index falls out of the
Critical Zone.
PRE-PRACTICE, PRACTICE and P0ST-PRACTICE SUGGESTIONS
1. Encourage athletes to hydrate PRIOR to practice. Athletes should
consume 17-20 fl. oz. of water or sports drink 2-3 hours before exercise and
7-10 fl. oz. of water or a sports drink 10-20 minutes before exercise.
2. Have water available and encourage athletes to bring their own. Hydrate
at least every 20 minutes, more often in high heat situations.
3. Schedule water breaks into the practice plan. Be aware of situations
where athletes may need more water breaks based on intensity level and
climate conditions.
4. Encourage athletes to hydrate AFTER practice with water or a sports drink.
Energy drinks and soda are not recommended for use in hydrating the
body.
HEAT ILLNESS AWARENESS
Athletes that participate in fall sports are placed at greater risk and are more
prone to heat illness than those playing at any other time. Heat stress problems
occur when: 1) Prolonged perspiration causes dehydration and electrolyte
depletion, and 2) External conditions, high air temperature and humidity, impair
the body’s natural mechanisms for dissipating heat. The heat stress problems
predominantly seen in athletics are: Heat Cramps, Heat Exhaustion and Heat
Stroke.
Those supervising athletes should be able to recognize these basic signs and
symptoms of dehydration. A conscious, cognizant, dehydrated athlete without
gastrointestinal distress can aggressively re-hydrate orally, while one with mental
compromise from dehydration or gastrointestinal distress should be transported
to a medical facility (activating EMS/911).
Heat Cramps Symptoms
HEAT
CRAMPS
Muscle twitching
Muscle cramps
Sweating
Heat Exhaustion Symptoms
HEAT
EXHAUSTION
Sweating profusely
Weak and rapid pulse
Cool and clammy skin (pale)
Excessive thirst
Heat Cramp Treatment
The individual should stop all physical
activity
Move to a cool place out of the sun
Rest and replace fluids
Heat Exhaustion Treatment
The individual should stop all physical
activity
Move to a cool place out of the sun
(air cond. preferred)
Lay down with feet slightly elevated
Remove or loosen clothing
Dizziness - Fainting
Headache-Fatigue
(weakness)
Shallow respiration
Elevated body temperature
(98.6-104 degree F)
Nausea - Vomiting
Dry tongue and mouth
Muscle Cramps
HEAT
STROKE
Heat Stroke Symptoms
Absence of sweating
Increase in pulse - High Blood
Pressure
Hot and dry skin (flush skin
color)
Sensation of burning up
inside
Dizziness-Disoriented - Mental
Confusion
Abrupt onset of headache,
fatigue-sluggishness
Labored respiration
Elevated body temperature
(105-109 degree F)
Agitation - Hallucinations
Seizure
Loss of Consciousness
Drink cold (but not iced) slightly salty water or
sports drink
Rest and replace fluids
Heat Stroke Treatment
Call 9-1-1
Heat Stroke can cause permanent damage
or death
Take immediate First Aid Measures
Move indoors - preferably air conditioned
Remove clothing and gently apply cool
water to skin
Follow up by fanning skin to stimulate
sweating
Apply ice packs to the groin and armpits
Lay down with feet slightly elevated