Soccer in Southern California is sometimes played under extreme heat conditions. Coaches, Referees, and Parents should be aware of signs and symptoms of heat related illnesses. These illnesses often happen when players are not properly hydrated under these heat conditions. In order to avoid serious heat-induced conditions, players must drink enough fluids to replace that sweat. Every player should carry his or her own sports bottle to practice, and coaches need to stop for drink breaks every 15 minutes during the summer.
All players and coaches should bring an ample supply of water. Bringing a cooler with cold, wet towels and ice is a great idea too.
Here is what to look for when a player may be experiencing heat related illnesses.
Heat Cramps
Heat cramps happen when a body loses too much water and salt through sweat, muscles tend to cramp (particularly in the abdomen and legs).
Players suffering from these painful "heat cramps" should:
- Rest in a shady spot.
- Sip one glass of cool water every 15 minutes until the pain relents.
If the player's parents are on hand, have them help by:
- Massaging the affected muscles.
- Applying cool, wet cloths to help relax the muscles.
Heat Exhaustion.
This condition often occurs when there is high humidity or the player is wearing restrictive clothing. Sweat can not properly evaporate which means the body cannot cool down efficiently. Players with cool, moist, or flushed skin, heavy sweating, headache, nausea, dizziness, or muscle cramps may be experiencing heat exhaustion
To assist a player experiencing heat exhaustion:
- Have the player lie down in a shady spot and elevate his or her feet.
- Remove the player's shoes, shin guards, and socks.
- Apply cold packs to the armpit and scalp areas.
- Have the player drink water or an electrolyte solution.
- Dampen the player's skin with cool cloths.
- Fan the player to help evaporate excess sweat.
If the player's parents are on hand, have them:
- Remove the player's shirt.
- Apply cold packs to the groin area.
Heat Stroke
Heat stroke happens when a body completely loses the ability to cool itself and the internal temperature continues to rise resulting in heat stroke. If a player's temperature rises too quickly, brain damage and/or death may result.
Players suffering from heat stroke may have hot, dry skin -- those with fair complexions may appear red, while darker-skinned individuals may appear gray. Victims may also experience a very rapid pulse and extremely high body temperature. In some cases, victims of heat stroke may seem confused, unresponsive, or even suffer from seizures.
Recovery from heatstroke depends on the amount of time it takes to return the body temperature to normal, so immediate medical attention is imperative.
If you suspect that a player is suffering from heat stroke:
- Call 911 immediately.
- Follow the recommended treatment for heat exhaustion.
- DO NOT attempt to give any liquids.
- Contact the player's parents.
Dehydration
Dehydration occurs when you use or lose more fluid than you take in, and your body doesn't have enough water and fluids to carry out it normal functions. You lose water when you sweat. The amount of sweat a person loses is increased in hot and humid weather. The most effective way to treat a player with dehydration is to begin replacing fluids. The type of treatment needed for someone experiencing dehydration depends on the severity. Some players may just need extra water breaks or to be offered sports drinks to help replace the electrolytes they have lost. Others may require a more severe treatment such as a hospital trip with fluids given intravenously.
Symptoms of dehydration may include:
- Dry mouth and tongue
- No tears when crying
- Sunken eyes, cheeks
- Listlessness or irritability
- Extreme thirst
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Confusion