Blog

Jun 30, 2023

Ten Important Ways to Help Keep Student Athletes Safe When the Heat Is On

Heat and humidity can be especially hazardous for student athletes as they prepare for fall sports. The American Red Cross offers ten ways coaches can help keep players safe. This summer has seen

Heat and humidity can be especially hazardous for student athletes as they prepare for fall sports. The American Red Cross offers ten ways coaches can help keep players safe.

This summer has seen extreme heat linger over a large swath of the country. As student athletes begin to prepare for the upcoming fall season, coaches are reminded that heat and humidity can be especially hazardous for their young players. The American Red Cross offers ten ways coaches can help keep players safe.

HEAT-RELATED EMERGENCIES

HEAT CRAMPS are muscle pains and spasms in the legs or abdomen. Heat cramps are an early sign of trouble, and athletes should inform those in charge if they are not feeling well. If someone is experiencing heat cramps, get them to a cooler place to rest, lightly stretch the affected muscle, and slowly replenish their fluids with a half a glass (about 4 ounces) of cool water every 15 minutes.

HEAT EXHAUSTION is a more severe condition signaled by cool, moist, pale or flushed skin; heavy sweating; headache; nausea or dizziness; or weakness and exhaustion. To treat heat exhaustion, move them to a cooler place, remove or loosen tight clothing and spray the person with water or apply cool, wet cloths to the skin. If they are conscious, give small amounts of cool water to drink slowly. If the person refuses water, vomits or begins to lose consciousness, call 911.

HEAT STROKE Heat stroke is a life-threatening emergency when someone is overwhelmed by heat and their body begins to stop functioning. Signs include hot, red skin that could be dry or moist; changes in consciousness; vomiting and high body temperature. Call 911 immediately if someone shows signs of heat stroke. If possible, move the person to a cooler place and immerse them up to their neck in cold water. Otherwise, douse or spray the person with cold water, or cover the person with cold, wet towels or bags of ice.

DOWNLOAD OUR FIRST AID APP The Red Cross First Aid app puts instant access to information on handling the most common first aid emergencies at your fingertips including heat-related emergencies. Download this app by searching for ‘American Red Cross’ in your app store or at redcross.org/apps.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

Support all the urgent humanitarian needs of the American Red Cross.

Find a drive and schedule a blood donation appointment today.

Please enter a valid 5 digit zip code

Take a class and be ready to respond if an emergency strikes.

Please enter a 5 digit zip code.

Please select a class type