Exertional heat stroke. Are we cool enough?

Exertional heat stroke (EHS) is the most serious form of heat-related illnesses that can occur during sports and exercise. If not recognized and treated immediately mortality rate of EHS is high. Early recognition and initiation of cooling are paramount. There are several strategies for cooling in EHS, including cooling with towels doused in ice water which cover the body of a patient. The aim of this research is to investigate the effectiveness of our treatment of EHS to lower body temperature within 30 minutes beneath 40 degrees Celsius, after entering a medical facility. And thereby reduce mortality and morbidity by patients suffering EHS.

Objective: The aim of this research is to investigate the effectiveness of our treatment of EHS to lower body temperature within 30 minutes beneath 40 degrees Celsius, after entering a medical facility.

Study design: We will conduct a retrospective observational study.

Study population: All participants of 18 years and older that received medical care between 2016 and 2019 at the following running events organized by Golazo: The Marathon of Rotterdam, Bruggenloop, Vredesloop, Ladiesrun, City Pier City.

Main study parameters/endpoints: The percentage of patients with EHS that were cooled, using towels doused in ice water which cover the body, to a temperature lower than 40 degrees Celsius within 30 minutes after entering a medical facility (or collapse).

The hypothesis of our study is that with our treatment of EHS we can lower the body temperature within 30 minutes beneath 40 degrees Celsius

Vital signs were recorded during initiation of the treatment by a designated member of the team, and are repeatedly noted during the stay in the medical facility. The time points are at initiation of the treatment, after 5-10 minutes and before leaving. These are the following measurements: heart rate (in beats per minute), systolic and diastolic blood pressure (in mmHg), tympanic temperature, (in degrees Celsius), Glasgow Coma Score, saturation, respiratory rate (per minutes), capillary refill, glucose (in mmol/l).

Not applicable