Question

After a tough soccer practice in the heat, one of your strikers lay down, exhausted, on the field. When you arrive to help him, you fear his body temperature may be a problem because you notice that his shirt is soaking wet but he is quite dry and warm to the touch. Since he is a black athlete you are unable to detect a skin color change, buy you think he seems hot. Explain what you can do to help him. Be thorough in your explanation (i.e., tell who will help him and how it will be done).

Answer 1

Heat stroke or heat-related illness is a risk for athletes who train in hot environmental conditions. Among reported heat-related illnesses in U.S. high school athletes, the majority of cases occur in football players during the month of August.Heat stroke is a true medical emergency that is often fatal if not properly and promptly treated.(Stoppler,2018)

• Get the person into air conditioning if possible or out of the sun and into the shade.
• Spray the person with cool water, or apply cold wet cloths or ice packs to the armpits, neck, and groin. Fan air across the person to increase cooling. These methods help cool the person more quickly.(WebMD)

Strenuous activity in the heat or by being in a hot place for too long as lead to his condition.If you suspect heatstroke, call 911 or your local emergency number. Then immediately move the person out of the heat, remove excess clothing, and cool him.Let the person drink cool water to rehydrate, if he or she is able. Don't give sugary, caffeinated or alcoholic beverages to a person with heatstroke. Also avoid very cold drinks, as these can cause stomach cramps.(Mayo clinic,2018)

Ref:

1. Melissa Conrad Stöppler2018,Heat stroke, Medicinenet
2. Heat stroke treatment, WebMD
3. Heat stroke first aid, 2018, Mayo clinic