Teen Athletes & Heat Stroke
Heat Stroke is the third most common cause of sudden death in teen athletes.
It’s summertime, which means training, more practices, and even competition season for some groups. As a teen athlete, you might be used to pushing yourself for the sake of performance, even when the heat is brutal.
Recognizing your body’s limitations and advocating for yourself and your teammates’ health is an important part of being an athlete.
If you recognize you or your teammate are reaching heat exhaustion, make sure to take a break in the shade and hydrate.
Heat stroke is another level of danger— it can quickly become deadly. Overheating your body’s natural cooling systems can cause organ failure and even death, especially if you’re dehydrated. Symptoms of heat stroke include a throbbing headache, confusion, slurred speech, nausea, vomiting, fainting, and a stop in sweating.
Your coach should establish a protocol in the event of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. In the event of heat stroke, emergency services should be called immediately. While waiting for help, cool the person as quickly as possible— move them to a cool place, place ice packs on their pulse points, and soak them in cool water.
Heat Exhaustion
Symptoms:
Dizziness
Heavy sweating
Cramps
Nausea or vomiting
What to Do:
Move to a cool place
Loosen clothes
Sip water
Put cold water or cool, wet cloth on your head, face and neck
Heat Stroke
Symptoms:
Red, hot, dry skin
Confusion
Rapid heartbeat
Throbbing headache
Temperature above 103°F (39.4°C)
Unconsciousness
What to Do
Call 911
Move to a cool place
Cool with water or ice