2013-14 American University Student-Athlete Handbook

• The following steps should be take when a student-athlete is suspected of suffering from heat exhaustion: 1. Immediately remove the student-athlete from activity to a cool or shaded area.

2. Fluids should be given orally; ice water in small sips to avoid vomiting especially if the student-athlete is complaining of nausea.

3. If a member of the Athletic Training Staff is not present an Athletic Training should be notified immediately and the student-athlete should be transported by the most efficient means available to that Athletic Training room for further evaluation.

4. The Athletic Trainer or Team Physician will make a determination regarding further treatment.

5. The student-athlete will be not be allowed to participate in any additional physical activity for the remainder of the day.

• All though this is not considered a medical emergency failure to recognize and promptly treat heat exhaustion can result in an emergency situation.

Heat Stroke: • Is a complete failure of the bodies primary thermoregulatory mechanism (sweating); symptoms include: 1. Headache 2. Vertigo (dizziness) 3. Confusion 4. Syncope (fainting) 5. Tachycardia (rapid heart rate) 6. Cold, clammy skin (early stages) 7. Hot, dry skin (late stages/sever cases) 8. Unconsciousness • This is a MEDICAL EMERGENCY, the following steps should be take to treat a studentathlete suffering from heat stroke: 1. Immediately begin cooling the body: a If possible remove to a shaded or cool area. b Remove all equipment i.e.) helmets, shin guards, shoes, gloves, etc. c Remove uniform shirts and pennies. d Apply ice bags to the back of the neck, armpits, chest and groin. e If ice bags are not available applying cold water to the same areas and fan vigorously.

2. Activate the Emergency Medical System (EMS) by following the instructions contained in the Emergency Action Plan for your venue.

3. If a Certified Athletic Trainer is present follow all of their instructions exactly, if a Certified Athletic Trainer is not present FIRST activate EMS then notify the Athletic Training Staff.

To help minimize the risks to the student-athlete all outdoor preseason practices will have at least twenty (20) gallons of ice water, ice towels and ice bags available on the sideline. As proper hydration is key to avoiding heat illness It is the policy of the American University Department of Athletics that all student-athletes have unlimited access to water during all practice sessions regardless of heat index.

In addition to unrestricted access to water the following policies should be observed to minimize the risk of heat illness by student-athletes participating in athletic activity during hot and humid conditions.

Monitoring of Temperature: Before each practice the ambient air temperature, relative humidity and heat index are calculated.

This process is repeated at least every 30 minutes throughout the practice session. A heat index in the range of 90-120oF presents an increased risk of heat related illness.

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