Heat and humidity can be especially hazardous for athletes who are in the throes of practicing and playing summer sports. The American Red Cross has steps you can take to help stay safe when the temperatures soar, with special safety information for athletes practicing and playing during hot weather.
- Avoid scheduling workouts and exercise during the hottest times of the day – schedule them for early in the day or later in the evening.
- Get players acclimated to the heat by reducing the intensity of workouts or exercise until they are more accustomed to the heat.
- Have players take frequent, longer breaks. Stop about every 20 minutes to drink fluids and try to have them stay in the shade.
- Those in charge should reduce the amount of heavy equipment athletes wear in the extremely hot weather.
- Know the signs of heat-related emergencies and monitor athletes closely. Athletes should inform those in charge if they are not feeling well.
Heat Exhaustion
Excessive heat can lead to sunburn, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. If someone is experiencing heat cramps in the legs or abdomen, get them to a cooler place, have them rest, lightly stretch the affected muscle, and replenish their fluids with a half a glass (about 4 ounces) of cool water every 15 minutes.
If someone is exhibiting signs of heat exhaustion (cool, moist, pale or flushed skin, heavy sweating, headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness, exhaustion), move them to a cooler place, remove or loosen tight clothing and spray the person with water or apply cool, wet cloths or towels to the skin. Fan the person. If they are conscious, give small amounts of cool water to drink. Make sure the person drinks slowly. Watch for changes in condition. If the person refuses water, vomits or begins to lose consciousness, call 9-1-1.
Heat Stroke Life-Threatening
Signs include hot, red skin which may be dry or moist; changes in consciousness; vomiting and high body temperature. Call 9-1-1 immediately if someone shows signs of heat stroke. Move the person to a cooler place. Quickly cool the person’s body by immersing them up to their neck in cold water if possible. Otherwise, douse or spray the person with cold water, or cover the person with cold, wet towels or bags of ice.
Emergency situations, resulting from excessive heat may require first aid. The American Red Cross First Aid App is an important tool everyone can download to their mobile device, putting free and simple lifesaving information at their fingertips.