Cold-Water Dousing with Ice Massage to Treat Exertional Heat Stroke: A Case Series

AbstractExertional heat illness is a classification of disease with clinical presentations that are not always diagnosed easily. Exertional heat stroke is a significant cause of death in competitive sports, and the increasing popularity of marathons races and ultra-endurance competitions will make treating many heat illnesses more common for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) providers. Although evidence is available primarily from case series and healthy volunteer studies, the consensus for treating exertional heat illness, coupled with altered mental status, is whole body rapid cooling. Cold or ice water immersion remains the most effective treatment to achieve this goal. External thermometry is unreliable in the context of heat stress and direct internal temperature measurement by rectal or esophageal probes must be used when diagnosing heat illness and during cooling. With rapid recognition and implementation of effective cooling, most patients suffering from exertional heat stroke will recover quickly and can be discharged home with instructions to rest and to avoid heat stress and exercise for a minimum of 48 hours; although, further research pertaining to return to activity is warranted.PryorRR,RothRN,SuyamaJ,HostlerD.Exertional heat illness: emerging concepts and advances in prehospital care.Prehosp Disaster Med.2015;30(3):19.

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Cooling Effectiveness of a Modified Cold-Water Immersion Method After Exercise-Induced Hyperthermia

Journal of Athletic Training ◽

10.4085/1062-6050-51.12.07 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 51 (11) ◽

pp. 946-951 ◽

Cited By ~ 22

Author(s):

Katherine E. Luhring ◽

Cory L. Butts ◽

Cody R. Smith ◽

Jeffrey A. Bonacci ◽

Ramon C. Ylanan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Heart Rate ◽

Mean Arterial Pressure ◽

Arterial Pressure ◽

Effect Size ◽

Cold Water ◽

Water Immersion ◽

Heat Stroke ◽

Cold Water Immersion ◽

Whole Body ◽

Exertional Heat Stroke

Context: Recommended treatment for exertional heat stroke includes whole-body cold-water immersion (CWI). However, remote locations or monetary or spatial restrictions can challenge the feasibility of CWI. Thus, the development of a modified, portable CWI method would allow for optimal treatment of exertional heat stroke in the presence of these challenges. Objective: To determine the cooling rate of modified CWI (tarp-assisted cooling with oscillation [TACO]) after exertional hyperthermia. Design: Randomized, crossover controlled trial. Setting: Environmental chamber (temperature = 33.4°C ± 0.8°C, relative humidity = 55.7% ± 1.9%). Patients or Other Participants: Sixteen volunteers (9 men, 7 women; age = 26 ± 4.7 years, height = 1.76 ± 0.09 m, mass = 72.5 ± 9.0 kg, body fat = 20.7% ± 7.1%) with no history of compromised thermoregulation. Intervention(s): Participants completed volitional exercise (cycling or treadmill) until they demonstrated a rectal temperature (Tre) ≥39.0°C. After exercise, participants transitioned to a semirecumbent position on a tarp until either Tre reached 38.1°C or 15 minutes had elapsed during the control (no immersion [CON]) or TACO (immersion in 151 L of 2.1°C ± 0.8°C water) treatment. Main Outcome Measure(s): The Tre, heart rate, and blood pressure (reported as mean arterial pressure) were assessed precooling and postcooling. Statistical analyses included repeated-measures analysis of variance with appropriate post hoc t tests and Bonferroni correction. Results: Before cooling, the Tre was not different between conditions (CON: 39.27°C ± 0.26°C, TACO: 39.30°C ± 0.39°C; P = .62; effect size = −0.09; 95% confidence interval [CI] = −0.2, 0.1). At postcooling, the Tre was decreased in the TACO (38.10°C ± 0.16°C) compared with the CON condition (38.74°C ± 0.38°C; P < .001; effect size = 2.27; 95% CI = 0.4, 0.9). The rate of cooling was greater during the TACO (0.14 ± 0.06°C/min) than the CON treatment (0.04°C/min ± 0.02°C/min; t15 = −8.84; P < .001; effect size = 2.21; 95% CI = −0.13, −0.08). These differences occurred despite an insignificant increase in fluid consumption during exercise preceding CON (0.26 ± 0.29 L) versus TACO (0.19 ± 0.26 L; t12 = 1.73; P = .11; effect size = 0.48; 95% CI = −0.02, 0.14) treatment. Decreases in heart rate did not differ between the TACO and CON conditions (t15 = −1.81; P = .09; effect size = 0.45; 95% CI = −22, 2). Mean arterial pressure was greater at postcooling with TACO (84.2 ± 6.6 mm Hg) than with CON (67.0 ± 9.0 mm Hg; P < .001; effect size = 2.25; 95% CI = 13, 21). Conclusions: The TACO treatment provided faster cooling than did the CON treatment. When location, monetary, or spatial restrictions are present, TACO represents an effective alternative to traditional CWI in the emergency treatment of patients with exertional hyperthermia.

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Evidence-Based Practice and the Recognition and Treatment of Exertional Heat Stroke, Part I: A Perspective From the Athletic Training Educator

Journal of Athletic Training ◽

10.4085/1062-6050-46.5.523 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 46 (5) ◽

pp. 523-532 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Stephanie M. Mazerolle ◽

Roberto C. Ruiz ◽

Douglas J. Casa ◽

Kelly D. Pagnotta ◽

Danielle E. Pinkus ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Public Opinion ◽

Athletic Training ◽

Evidence Based Practice ◽

Cold Water ◽

Athletic Trainers ◽

Water Immersion ◽

Heat Stroke ◽

Evidence Based ◽

Educational Training ◽

Exertional Heat Stroke

Context: Athletic trainers (ATs) know to diagnose exertional heat stroke (EHS) via rectal thermometry (Tre) and to treat EHS via cold-water immersion (CWI) but do not implement these recommendations in clinical practice. Objective: To gain an understanding of educational techniques used to deliver content regarding EHS. Design: Qualitative study. Setting: In-person focus groups at the National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA) Annual Meeting in June 2009 and 2 follow-up telephone interviews to confirm emergent themes. Patients or Other Participants: Thirteen AT educators (11 men, 2 women) from programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education, with an average of 22 ± 9 years of clinical experience and 16 ± 10 years of experience as educators. Five NATA districts were represented. Data Collection and Analysis: Data were analyzed using inductive content analysis. Peer review and data source triangulation also were conducted to establish trustworthiness. Results: Four themes emerged from the analysis: educational techniques, educational competencies, previous educational training, and privacy/public opinion. Educational techniques highlighted the lack of hands-on training for Tre and CWI. Educational competencies referred to the omission of Tre and CWI as psychomotor skills. Previous educational training addressed educators not having the skills or comfort with the skills necessary to properly educate students. Privacy/public opinion comprised external inputs from various groups (parents and coaches), legal considerations, and social bias. Conclusions: Educators supplied students with the appropriate didactic knowledge about EHS, but their lack of training and misgivings about Tre prevented them from allowing students to gain competence with this skill. Until the NATA competencies state the need to teach Tre and CWI and until educators are provided with their own learning opportunities, evidence-based practice regarding EHS will be lacking.

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Incidence of Recurrent Exertional Heat Stroke in a Warm-Weather Road Race

Medicina ◽

10.3390/medicina56120720 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 56 (12) ◽

pp. 720

Author(s):

Rebecca L. Stearns ◽

Yuri Hosokawa ◽

William M. Adams ◽

Luke N. Belval ◽

Robert A. Huggins ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Relative Risk ◽

Risk Ratio ◽

Heat Stroke ◽

Case Series ◽

Relative Risk Ratio ◽

Future Research ◽

Exertional Heat Stroke ◽

Warm Weather ◽

Before And After ◽

Road Race

Background and Objectives: Exertional heat stroke (EHS) survivors may be more susceptible to subsequent EHS; however, the occurrence of survivors with subsequent EHS episodes is limited. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the incidence of participants with repeated EHS (EHS-2+) cases in a warm-weather road race across participation years compared to those who experienced 1 EHS (EHS-1). Materials and Methods: A retrospective observational case series design was utilized. Medical record data from 17-years at the Falmouth Road Race between 2003–2019 were examined for EHS cases. Incidence of EHS-2+ cases per race and average EHS cases per EHS-2+ participant were calculated (mean ± SD) and descriptive factors (rectal temperature (TRE), finish time (FT), Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT), age, race year) for each EHS was collected. Results: A total of 333 EHS patients from 174,853 finishers were identified. Sixteen EHS-2+ participants (11 males, 5 females, age = 39 ± 16 year) accounted for 11% of the total EHS cases (n = 37/333). EHS-2+ participants had an average of 2.3 EHS cases per person (range = 2–4) and had an incidence rate of 2.6 EHS per 10 races. EHS-2+ participants finished 93 races following initial EHS, with 72 of the races (77%) completed without EHS incident. Initial EHS TRE was not statistically different than subsequent EHS initial TRE (+0.3 ± 0.9 °C, p > 0.050). Initial EHS-2+ participant FT was not statistically different than subsequent EHS FT (−4.2 ± 7.0 min, p > 0.050). The years between first and second EHS was 3.6 ± 3.5 year (Mode: 1, Range: 1–12). Relative risk ratios revealed that EHS patients were at a significantly elevated risk for subsequent EHS episodes 2 years following their initial EHS (relative risk ratio = 3.32, p = 0.050); however, the risk from 3–5 years post initial EHS was not statistically elevated, though the relative risk ratio values remained above 1.26. Conclusions: These results demonstrate that 11% of all EHS cases at the Falmouth Road Race are EHS-2+ cases and that future risk for a second EHS episode at this race is most likely to occur within the first 2 years following the initial EHS incident. After this initial 2-year period, risk for another EHS episode is not significantly elevated. Future research should examine factors to explain individuals who are susceptible to multiple EHS cases, incidence at other races and corresponding prevention strategies both before and after initial EHS.

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Cold Water Immersion For Exertional Heat Stroke At 33 New England Road Races, 2011-2019

Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise ◽

10.1249/01.mss.0000763580.83031.7e ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 53 (8S) ◽

pp. 372-372

Author(s):

Rebecca G. Breslow ◽

Ying H. Yang ◽

Jamie E. Collins

Keyword(s):

New England ◽

Cold Water ◽

Water Immersion ◽

Heat Stroke ◽

Cold Water Immersion ◽

Exertional Heat Stroke ◽

Road Races

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Proper Recognition and Management of Exertional Heat Stroke in a High School Cross Country Runner: A Validation Clinical Case Report

Journal of Athletic Training ◽

10.4085/1062-6050-462-21 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Bryanna Garrett ◽

Rebecca Lopez ◽

Michael Szymanski ◽

Drew Eidt

Keyword(s):

High School ◽

Cold Water ◽

Action Plan ◽

Water Immersion ◽

Heat Stroke ◽

Cold Water Immersion ◽

Exertional Heat Stroke ◽

Difficulty Breathing ◽

History Of ◽

Cross Country

A 14-year-old female high school cross country runner (height = 154 cm, mass = 48.1 kg) with no history of exertional heat stroke (EHS) collapsed at the end of a race. An athletic trainer (AT) assessed the patient, who presented with difficulty breathing then other signs of EHS (i.e. confusion, agitation). The patient was taken to the medical area, draped with a towel, and a rectal temperature (Tre) of 106.9°F(41.6°C) was obtained. The emergency action plan was activated and emergency medical services (EMS) were called. The patient was submerged in a cold-water immersion tub until EMS arrived (~15 minutes; Tre = 100.1°F; cooling rate: 0.41°F·min−1[0.25°C·min−1]). At the hospital, the patient received intravenous fluids, and urine and blood tests were normal. The patient was not admitted and returned to running without sequelae. Following best practices, AT's in secondary schools can prevent death from EHS by properly recognizing EHS and providing rapid cooling before transport.

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Current Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Certified Athletic Trainers Regarding Recognition and Treatment of Exertional Heat Stroke

Journal of Athletic Training ◽

10.4085/1062-6050-45.2.170 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 45 (2) ◽

pp. 170-180 ◽

Cited By ~ 33

Author(s):

Stephanie M. Mazerolle ◽

Ian C. Scruggs ◽

Douglas J. Casa ◽

Laura J. Burton ◽

Brendon P. McDermott ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cold Water ◽

Current Knowledge ◽

Athletic Trainers ◽

Water Immersion ◽

Heat Stroke ◽

Cold Water Immersion ◽

Exertional Heat Stroke ◽

Certified Athletic Trainers ◽

Attitudes And Practices ◽

Knowledge Attitudes And Practices

Abstract Context: Previous research has indicated that despite awareness of the current literature on the recommended prevention and care of exertional heat stroke (EHS), certified athletic trainers (ATs) acknowledge failure to follow those recommendations. Objective: To investigate the current knowledge, attitudes, and practices of ATs regarding the recognition and treatment of EHS. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Online survey. Patients or Other Participants: We obtained a random sample of e-mail addresses for 1000 high school and collegiate ATs and contacted these individuals with invitations to participate. A total of 498 usable responses were received, for a 25% response rate. Main Outcome Measure(s): The survey instrument evaluated ATs' knowledge and actual practice regarding EHS and included 29 closed-ended Likert scale questions (1 = strongly disagree, 7 = strongly agree), 2 closed-ended questions rated on a Likert scale (1 = lowest value, 9 = greatest value), 8 open-ended questions, and 7 demographic questions. We focused on the open-ended and demographic questions. Results: Although most ATs (77.1%) have read the current National Athletic Trainers' Association position statement on heat illness, only 18.6% used rectal thermometers to assess core body temperature to recognize EHS, and 49.7% used cold-water immersion to treat EHS. Athletic trainers perceived rectal thermometers as the most valid temperature assessment device when compared with other assessment devices (P ≤ .05), but they used oral thermometers as the primary assessment tool (49.1%). They identified cold-water immersion as the best cooling method (P ≤ .05), even though they used other means to cool a majority of the time (50.3%). Conclusions: The ATs surveyed have sound knowledge of the correct means of EHS recognition and treatment. However, a significant portion of these ATs reported using temperature assessment devices that are invalid with athletes exercising in the heat. Furthermore, they reported using cooling treatment methods that have inferior cooling rates.

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