Challenge of the Week / Sports / 06.04.2021

You are the team physician for a high school football team and are on the sidelines at a game. A 16-year-old male player falls to the ground near the end of a game. He is awake but confused. The air temperature is 95°F (35°C) and the trainer says the player has not been drinking much water. On examination he is warm and tachycardic. Which of the following is the appropriate next course of action?
    • Remove the player from the field; contact emergency medical services; remove his shoulder pads, tights, shoes, and helmet; and apply ice-cold towels or a cooling blanket.
    • The player is confused and in danger of heatstroke. Immediate cooling is the priority. He should have tight clothing and pads removed and have cold towels or a cooling blanket placed to cool him.

 

    • Remove the player from the field to a shady area and make him drink some water. Do not allow him to return to play and continue to monitor him on the sidelines.
    • The player is confused and in danger of heatstroke. Immediate cooling is the priority. He should have tight clothing and pads removed and have cold towels or a cooling blanket placed to cool him. Having him drink water will not cool him sufficiently in a timely manner.

 

    • Wait for him to become oriented, make him drink some water, and then allow him to return to play. Make him drink water during each break from play.
    • The player is confused and in danger of heatstroke. Immediate cooling is the priority. He should have tight clothing and pads removed and have cold towels or a cooling blanket placed to cool him. He should not be allowed to return to play.

     

 

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