Exertional Heat Stroke: Strategies for Prevention and Treatment From the Sports Field to the Emergency Department

Exertional heat illness is a category of conditions commonly seen during sports participation in the hot summer months. Exertional heat stroke, in particular, is a dangerous condition involving hyperthermia and central nervous system dysfunction, which, if not properly treated, is potentially deadly. All on-site medical personnel, emergency physicians, and coaches involved in sports participation need to be aware of the recognition and treatment of heat illnesses. Emergency physicians must be equally aware of recognition, treatment, and return-to-play decisions to ensure athletes are quickly and effectively treated and return to sport participation safely.