Heat stroke in athletes

During hard exercise, muscles produce heat. Sweat and blood flow to the skin normally help release it, but hot or humid weather can overwhelm those cooling routes. Heavy equipment, illness, poor acclimatisation and returning too quickly after a break can add strain.

Heat exhaustion may cause heavy sweating, cramps, headache, nausea or weakness. Heat stroke is more dangerous: confusion, altered behaviour, collapse or seizure can occur, and the person may stop sweating even though the body remains dangerously hot.

Use a gradual heat-acclimatisation plan and adjust intensity when conditions are severe. Schedule sessions at cooler times, provide shade and cooling equipment, and build in rest periods. Athletes should arrive hydrated, wear suitable breathable kit and tell staff about illness or medicines that may affect heat control.

At the first sign of dizziness, headache, nausea, unusual fatigue or poor coordination, stop exercise and move to a cool place. Remove excess equipment, wet the skin and fan the athlete. Never allow a confused or vomiting person to continue or to drink unsupervised.

Call emergency services for confusion, collapse, seizure, loss of consciousness, severe coordination problems or suspected heat stroke. Begin active cooling immediately and stay with the athlete. Vomiting, worsening symptoms or a temperature that remains high after exercise also warrants urgent assessment. Hospital care may include IV Fluid Therapy.

Ask when the athlete can resume training after heat illness, how to adapt sessions to local weather, and whether a medical condition or medicine changes the cooling plan. Ask the team how symptoms will be recorded and who can activate emergency help.