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KSI Exertional Heat Stroke Survival Kit

 

Recognition

Signs and symptoms  

Temperature Assessment Devices

 

Rectal Thermometer/Thermistor

  • Rectal temperature is the only validated field device acceptable for detection of core body temperature.  These devices provide quick and accurate assessment of core body temperature, which is the key diagnostic factor in exertional heat stroke (EHS) cases.  A thermistor ‘s advantage over a traditional thermometer it is that it remains inside the body during  the cooling process, providing  feedback on the timing for removal from the immersion tub; however, a traditional thermometer is better than nothing.

Ingestible Thermistor

  • These temperature sensors are about the size of a multivitamin and are taken a couple of hours prior to activity.  This method allows for immediate detection of core body temperature (assuming the pill has been taken a couple of hours before activity) and is a minimally invasive technique that can track body temperature over an extended period of time. 
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Treatment

Cold Water Immersion Tub

  • The cold water immersion (CWI) tub should be the primary piece of equipment used for the treatment of an EHS.  They are inexpensive, durable, and can be reused.  There are several options, however it is recommended that the tub can accommodate any sized athlete.

Water

  • The water supply should be easily accessible at all venues and positioned near the water source.  If this is not feasible, there should be a quick mode of transportation (i.e. gator, golf cart, etc.) to take an EHS patient to the water source/tub.

Ice

  • There should be an easily accessible and unlimited supply of ice available.  There should be enough ice available not only for the cold water immersion tub, but also for water coolers, injury ice, and ice towels.  In addition, there should be enough ice to last the entire day (i.e. two-a-days) and the machine should be capable of completely refilling for the next days events.

Towels

  • Towels should available for ice towels – approximately seven (7) towels – as well as for the treatment of EHS while using cold water immersion.  During immersion, a towel should be placed around the athlete’s armpits and harnessed behind them to provide support.

Coolers

  • A sufficient number of coolers and ice chests must be available.  These will be used for storing ice, water for rehydration, and ice towels during events for treating heat exhaustion and subsequent treatment of EHS.  Coolers of ice and ice towels should be placed in close proximity to the cold water immersion tub and water supply.

Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) 

  • An AED should always be available and readily accessible at the site of each athletic event.  An  AED should also be provided for travel along with a certified athletic trainer for all away and off-site events.

The items mentioned on this page can be found through the following commercial suppliers:

Cold Water Immersion Tub Retailers:

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