HEAT ILLNESS & ACCLIMATION
According to the CDC, heat illness during practice or competition is the leading cause of death among U.S. high school athletes. Athletic Trainers have the knowledge and skills base to make death from heat stroke completely preventable through safe practice and heat acclimatization.
The summer and early fall months in Alabama can be brutal! These high temperatures and humidity put patients at increased risk for heat illness. There are several types of heat illnesses ranging in severity. Although heat illness can be fatal, death is preventable if quickly recognized and properly treated.
NATA Statements:
Executive Summary Update to the 2002 Position Statement
Exertional Heat Illness Position Statement
Exertional Heat Illness Consensus Statement
NATA Disclaimer for Exertional Heat Illness Consensus Statement
Preseason Heat-Acclimatization Guidelines for Secondary School Athletics
Additional Resources:
ACSM Position Stand: Exertional Heat Illness During Training/Competition
Health Hydration for Youth Athletes
KSI: Comparison of NCAA and High School Heat Acclimatization Policies
NATA Foundation: Treatment of Heat Illness
NATA Foundation: Types of Heat Illness
NATA’s Heat Illness Authorization Form
NATA Hydration & Heat Illness Infographic
NATA PowerPoint: Exertional Heat Illness and Intercollegiate Athletics
NFL/GSSI: Preventing Heat Related Illness
OSHA Heat Illness Prevention Training
