Athletic Trainer how-to

How to Manage Heat Illness

Heat stroke is a medical emergency.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
Quick answer

Heat stroke is a medical emergency. In short: monitor; watch; remove, then complete the remaining steps below.

Step by step

  1. Monitor heat index and adjust practices.

  2. Watch for symptoms.

  3. Remove the athlete to shade.

  4. For suspected heat stroke, cool immediately with cold-water immersion.

  5. Call emergency services.

  6. Document the event.

Safety reminders for athletic trainers

  • Maintain emergency action plans for every venue
  • Monitor heat and lightning
  • Follow concussion protocols
  • Use universal precautions with blood

ATC · BOC · CAATE · Concussion protocol · Return-to-play · Sprain: see the full athletic trainer glossary.

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