Treatment Of Heat Illness Research Articles

Wilderness Medical Society Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Heat Illness: 2024 Update.

The Wilderness Medical Society (WMS) convened an expert panel in 2011 to develop a set of evidence-based guidelines for the recognition, prevention, and treatment of heat illness. The current panel retained 5 original members and welcomed 2 new members, all of whom collaborated remotely to provide an updated review of the classifications, pathophysiology, evidence-based guidelines for planning and preventive measures, and recommendations for field- and hospital-based therapeutic management of heat illness. These recommendations are graded based on the quality of supporting evidence and the balance between the benefits and risks or burdens for each modality. This is an updated version of the WMS clinical practice guidelines for the prevention and treatment of heat illness published in Wilderness & Environmental Medicine. 2019;30(4):S33-S46.

Ten Myths about Medical Emergencies and Medical Kits

ABSTRACTWilderness medicine is plagued by myths and dogmatic teachings not supported by evidence. This article focuses particularly on those teachings and tools that would be most likely used in archaeological fieldwork. It lays out 10 of the most common and concerning myths taught in wilderness medicine and wilderness emergency medical services, both in terms of first aid and preparation of medical kits. The myths described are provide a structure for the main purpose of the article: to explain interventions and medical kit contents that are more evidence based and supported by modern understandings of wilderness medicine and fieldwork risk management. The list of top 10 myths includes (1) the use of medications other than epinephrine for anaphylaxis and (2) the availability and proper use of epinephrine auto-injectors, (3) the use of suction devices and tourniquets for snakebites, (4) the use of spinal immobilization for neck injuries, (5) the identification and treatment of heat illnesses, (6) the use of CPR in remote areas, (7) the appropriateness of dislocation reduction in remote areas, (8) the use and choice of tourniquets for arterial bleeding, (9) the initial definition and management of drowning patients, and (10) wound management myths.

National Athletic Trainers' Association Position Statement: Exertional Heat Illnesses

OBJECTIVE: To present recommendations for the prevention, recognition, and treatment of exertional heat illnesses and to describe the relevant physiology of thermoregulation. BACKGROUND: Certified athletic trainers evaluate and treat heat-related injuries during athletic activity in "safe" and high-risk environments. While the recognition of heat illness has improved, the subtle signs and symptoms associated with heat illness are often overlooked, resulting in more serious problems for affected athletes. The recommendations presented here provide athletic trainers and allied health providers with an integrated scientific and practical approach to the prevention, recognition, and treatment of heat illnesses. These recommendations can be modified based on the environmental conditions of the site, the specific sport, and individual considerations to maximize safety and performance. RECOMMENDATIONS: Certified athletic trainers and other allied health providers should use these recommendations to establish on-site emergency plans for their venues and athletes. The primary goal of athlete safety is addressed through the prevention and recognition of heat-related illnesses and a well-developed plan to evaluate and treat affected athletes. Even with a heat-illness prevention plan that includes medical screening, acclimatization, conditioning, environmental monitoring, and suitable practice adjustments, heat illness can and does occur. Athletic trainers and other allied health providers must be prepared to respond in an expedient manner to alleviate symptoms and minimize morbidity and mortality.

Wilderness Medical Society Practice Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Heat-Related Illness: 2014 Update

The Wilderness Medical Society (WMS) convened an expert panel to develop a set of evidence-based guidelines for the recognition, prevention, and treatment of heat illness. We present a review of the classifications, pathophysiology, and evidence-based guidelines for planning and preventive measures as well as best practice recommendations for both field and hospital-based therapeutic management of heat illness. These recommendations are graded on the basis of the quality of supporting evidence, and balance between the benefits and risks or burdens for each modality. This is an updated version of the original WMS Practice Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Heat-Related Illness published in Wilderness & Environmental Medicine 2013;24(4):351-361.

Exertional Heat Stroke: Strategies for Prevention and Treatment From the Sports Field to the Emergency Department

Exertional heat illness is a category of conditions commonly seen during sports participation in the hot summer months. Exertional heat stroke, in particular, is a dangerous condition involving hyperthermia and central nervous system dysfunction, which, if not properly treated, is potentially deadly. All on-site medical personnel, emergency physicians, and coaches involved in sports participation need to be aware of the recognition and treatment of heat illnesses. Emergency physicians must be equally aware of recognition, treatment, and return-to-play decisions to ensure athletes are quickly and effectively treated and return to sport participation safely.

Continuing Professional Development: Thermoregulation and heat Illness

Overview This Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Module will first outline the scientific principles behind heat transfer, before moving on to discuss the body's physiological response to changes in temperature. Finally, we will discuss the pathophysiology and treatment of heat illness before concluding with a series of multiple choice questions.

Continuing Professional Development: Thermoregulation and heat illness

Overview This Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Module will first outline the scientific principles behind heat transfer, before moving on to discuss the body's physiological response to changes in temperature. Finally, we will discuss the pathophysiology and treatment of heat illness before concluding with a series of multiple choice questions. Learning Outcomes After completing this module you will be able to: • Describe mechanisms of heat transfer, and utilise this knowledge when devising treatment plans for patients exposed to extremes of temperature. • Understand the importance of physiological mechanisms employed by the body in order to maintain constant internal temperatures, both at rest and when exercising. • Describe the range of conditions within the umbrella term ‘heat illness;’ their aetiology and groups most at risk, the potential progression of the illness, and common treatment strategies.