During a heat advisory, all coaches and members of the coaching staff should implement the following heat precautions:
1. Avoid heavy physical exertion during outdoor practices and, if possible, provide coaching instructions either indoors or in an area with less severe conditions.
2. Coaching staff should stop all activities to allow individuals to drink water every half hour (at least 3 ounces of water per hour) or more frequently.
3. Before exercise, hydration to have 8-16 oz., in the form of water or Gatorade/Powerade type beverage with a 6-8% carbohydrate solution.
4. During exercise 4-10 oz of fluids (again water or sports drink) per 15 minutes is recommended depending on the age/size of the athletes. For the younger teams, coaches can help them by asking them to take at least 8 sips of fluids, this will ensure they get at least 2-4 oz when they take a water break if they don’t have a "see-through" bottle. A good check is if athletes haven’t consumed at least 16 oz by the end of practice, they aren’t drinking enough.
ALWAYS REMEMBER – THERE IS NO SUBSTITUTE FOR COMMON SENSE!!
EMERGENCY FIRST-AID:
When the heat index is high, several illnesses such as heat stroke, heat cramps, or heat exhaustion are possible with physical activity or prolonged exposure. The heat may overcome the body’s ability to regulate internal body temperature at a safe level.
Some signs of heat illness include nausea, weakness, fainting, and pale clammy skin. A warning signal before heat illness occurs may be red dry skin. Prompt action can prevent the most serious heat illness or heat stroke, which is fatal 50% of the time.
Team staff will immediately initiate emergency first aid procedures, which include:
- Stop the activity
- Improve air circulation with a fan or air conditioner
- Sponge the body with cool water
- A conscious person should be given sips of cold water or sports drink
Heat illness is an emergency situation and requires medical attention immediately.
Call 911 immediately as well as the parent(s).
