Policy and Procedure Guidelines for Dealing with Dehydration, Heat and Cold Related Illnesses

Transcription

1 Policy and Procedure Guidelines for Dealing with Dehydration, Heat and Cold Related Illnesses A. Introduction... 1 B. Exposure Analysis & Liability... 1 C. Risk Assessment Evaluation... 2 D. Sample: Policies and Procedures... 4 A. INTRODUCTION An athletics department must demonstrate an unwavering commitment to protect the health of, and provide a safe environment for, each of its participating student athletes. The safety and health of our student athletes, staff, and event personnel are paramount. Thus, policies and procedures with regard to dehydration as well as heat and cold related illnesses of student athletes must be implemented in the training of sports medicine personnel, event personnel, coaches, and the education of student athletes themselves. Additionally, public postings that outline instructions and procedures for responding to these health issues must be displayed to keep the message at the forefront of the minds of all those associated with the athletics department and its student athletes. These recommendations do not guarantee full protection from dehydration, heat and cold related illnesses, but should decrease the risk of such occurrences during athletic participation. It should recognize that all studentathletes and the athletics staff working with them are at risk for dehydration as well as exertional heat and cold related illnesses in some capacity. The cooperation of sports medicine staff in conjunction with the continuous education of administrators, coaches, staff, and student athletes will serve to improve prevention strategies and ensure proper treatment. B. EXPOSURE ANALYSIS & LIABILITY Dehydration Issues Heat Related Illness Cold Related Illness Unfortunately, student athletes become seriously ill or die from heat related illnesses every year, and lawsuits against institutions and staff arising from these incidents are common. These lawsuits allege that there was negligence in the training, care and treatment of student athletes. Athletic directors, trainers, coaches and medical personnel have the responsibility to educate student athletes, enforce policies and procedures, and provide treatment when warranted. Although difficult at times, affected athletes must be removed from practice or competition until they are safely able to return. Institutions in parts of the country with high temperatures are particularly at risk. 1

2 C. RISK ASSESSMENT EVALUATION Administer the following questionnaire to the administrator currently responsible for sports medicine and/or certified athletic training. Every question should be answered with a YES. Be sure to address and remedy those items with NO responses. With regard to the athletics department administration and management of issues involving the potential threat to student athletes well being posed by dehydration, heat related illness and cold related illness: Team hydration protocols that consider the uniqueness of each sport are submitted to the Team Physician (TP) and/or Director of Sports Medicine (DSM) each season based on practice and event schedule by coordinating coaches and certified athletic training staff. Individual hydration protocols are submitted to the TP/DSM each season for student athletes who have a history of heat related illness or other illness that could exacerbate dehydration. The athletics department educates student athletes on the effects of dehydration and the factors for risk via seasonally conducted health and awareness sessions implemented by coaches and training staff. The athletics department and its certified athletic training staff provide informational postings at practice facilities and training rooms to maintain awareness of the importance of adequate hydration. In conditions of extreme heat, clothing worn at practice and competition is lighter in color and fabric, regardless of school colors. The athletics department adopts recommendations from nationally certified associations and bodies of research regarding identification of symptoms and procedures and transmits this information to staff to lessen the risk and prevent the likelihood of heat related illness occurring among its studentathletes. The athletics department ensures that certified athletic trainers and other health care providers attending practices or events have the authority to evaluate and examine any student athlete who displays signs or symptoms of heat illness and restrict the student athlete from participating if heat illness is present. The athletics department and certified athletic training staff conduct a thorough, physiciansupervised, pre participation medical screening before the season starts to identify student athletes predisposed to heat illness on the basis of risk factors and those who have a history of exertional heat illness. Coaches and certified athletic training staff are adapting student athletes to exercise in the heat (acclimatization) gradually over 10 to 14 days. 10. Certified athletic training staff are weighing high risk student athletes and, in high risk conditions, weighing all student athletes, before and after practice to estimate the amount of body fluids lost during practice and to ensure a return to pre practice weight before the next practice. 2

3 11. The athletics department and certified athletic training staff have available for use on the field, in the locker room, and at various other stations, all of the following supplies: A supply of cool water or sports drinks or both to meet the needs of student athletes. Ice for active cooling (ice bags, tub cooling) and to keep beverages and student athletes cool during exercise. Rectal thermometer to assess body core temperature. Telephone or two way radio to communicate with medical personnel and to summon emergency medical transportation if necessary. Tub, wading pool, kiddy pool, or whirlpool to cool the trunk and extremities via immersion cooling therapy. 12. The athletics department ensures access to emergency medical care and that rescue personnel are familiar with cold related illness prevention, recognition, and treatment. 13. The athletics department ensures that certified athletic trainers and other health care providers attending practices or events have the authority to evaluate and examine any student athlete who displays signs or symptoms of cold related illness and restrict the student athlete from participating if cold illness is present. 14. The athletics department and certified athletic training staff conducts a thorough, physiciansupervised, pre participation medical screening before the season starts to identify student athletes predisposed to cold related illness on the basis of risk factors and those who have a history of coldrelated illness. 15. The athletics department and certified athletic training staff educates student athletes and coaches concerning the prevention, recognition, and treatment of cold injury and the risks associated with activity in cold environments. 16. The athletics department, coaches, and certified athletic training staff educates and encourages student athletes to maintain proper hydration and eat a well balanced diet. 17. Student athletes are encouraged to hydrate even if they are not thirsty, as evidence suggests the normal thirst mechanism is blunted with cold exposure. 18. The athletics department, coaches, and certified athletic training staff have event and practice guidelines that include recommendations for managing student athletes participating in cold, windy, and wet conditions. The influence of air temperature and wind speed conditions is taken into account by using wind chill guidelines. 19. The athletics department issues student athletes clothing or provides clothing instructions when participating in cold, windy, and wet conditions that provides for an internal layer that allows evaporation of sweat with minimal absorption, a middle layer that provides insulation, and a removable external layer that is wind and water resistant and allows for evaporation of moisture. 20. Coaches and certified athletic training staff provide the opportunity for student athletes to re warm, as needed, during and after activity using external heaters, a warm indoor environment, and/or the addition of clothing. 3

4 21. The athletics department and certified athletic training staff include all of the following supplies on the field, in the locker room, or at convenient aid stations: A supply of water or sports drinks for rehydration purposes as well as warm fluids for possible re warming purposes. Insulated containers for fluids that may freeze during events in subfreezing temperatures or procedures assuring intermittent replacement. Heat packs, blankets, additional clothing, and external heaters, if feasible, for active re warming. Flexible rectal thermometer probe to assess core body temperature, which is a low reading thermometer (i.e., capable of measuring temperatures below 95.6F [35.3C]). Telephone or two way radio to communicate with additional medical personnel and to summon emergency medical transportation. Tub, wading pool, or whirlpool for immersion warming treatments (including a thermometer and additional warm water to maintain required temperatures). D. SAMPLE POLICY & PROCEDURES The following policy and procedure is a sample. Do not use verbatim. Follow instructions to insert information applicable to your institution and then submit to your legal counsel for review to be sure all elements conform to institutional policy and applicable local, state and federal laws. Policy and Procedures Related to Dehydration, Heat and Cold Related Illnesses 1.0 Dehydration 1.1 General Policy. Dehydration can compromise athletic performance and increase the risk of exertional heat injury. Various studies by the National Athletic Trainer s Association have shown that athletes do not voluntarily drink sufficient water to prevent dehydration during physical activity. Drinking behavior can be modified by education, increasing accessibility, and optimizing palatability. However, excessive overdrinking should be avoided because it can also compromise physical performance and health. The athletics department has adopted practical recommendations from nationally certified associations and derived from bodies of research regarding fluid replacement for student athletes to lessen the risk and prevent the likelihood of dehydration. The policies and procedures for risk prevention require a cooperative effort of educated student athletes, coaches, and athletic training staff to ensure the safety of studentathletes. The prevention procedures presented herein are non negotiable and the disregard for the prevention of dehydration may result in termination of employment. 1.2 Description & Symptoms. All athletics department staff members working with studentathletes are responsible for knowing the following symptoms of dehydration: Thirst Irritability General discomfort Followed by Headache Weakness Dizziness Cramps Chills 4

5 Vomiting Nausea Head or Neck Heat Sensations Decreased Performance 1.3 Risk Factors. All athletics department staff members working with student athletes are responsible for recognizing the following risk factors for dehydration: Extreme heat or cold Excessive perspiration Inadequate fluid intake Bouts of vomiting or diarrhea prior to exercise Dark colored urine Alcohol consumption Caffeine use Barriers to evaporation and specifically, the types of athletic equipment that do not allow water vapor to pass through and inhibit evaporative, convective, and radiant heat loss. Student athletes who are currently or were recently ill may be at an increased risk. Student athletes with a history of heat illness are at greater risk for recurrent heat illness. Increased body mass index (thick fat layer or small surface area). For example, obese individuals are at an increased risk because the fat layer decreases heat loss. Also, they are less efficient and therefore have a greater metabolic heat production during exercise. Conversely, muscle bound individuals have increased metabolic heat production and a lower ratio of surface area to mass, contributing to a decreased ability to dissipate heat. Student athletes in poor physical condition. Student athletes wearing excessive or dark colored clothing or equipment because excessive clothing or equipment decreases the ability to thermoregulate, and dark colored clothing or equipment may cause a greater absorption of heat from the environment. Overzealous student athletes because they override the normal behavioral adaptations to heat and decrease the likelihood of subtle cues being recognized. Student athletes with no or minimal physiologic acclimatization to heat. Student athletes who take certain medications or drugs, particularly medications with a dehydrating effect are at an increased risk. 1.4 Required Preventive Measures Hydration Protocols. The Team Physician (TP) and/or Director of Sport Medicine (DSM) will communicate and coordinate with the department s certified athletic training staff frequently and closely to implement a hydration protocol of risk prevention for dehydration that includes the following considerations: the student athlete s sweat rate sport dynamics (i.e. rest breaks, fluid access) environmental factors acclimatization state of participants exercise duration exercise intensity individual preferences A proper hydration protocol considers each sport s unique features. If rehydration opportunities are frequent (i.e., baseball, football, track and field), the student athlete 5

6 can consume smaller volumes at a convenient pace based on sweat rate and environmental conditions. If rehydration must occur at specific times (i.e., soccer, lacrosse, distance running), the student athlete must consume fluids to maximize hydration within the sport s confines and rules Approval Each Season. Team hydration protocols will be submitted by coordinating coaches and certified athletic training staff to the TP/DSM for approval each season based on practice and event schedule Individual Protocols for High Risk Athletes. Individual hydration protocols will be submitted to the TP/DSM each season for student athletes who have a history of heatrelated illness or other illness that could exacerbate dehydration, taking medications that exacerbate dehydration, those who need further acclimatization, and those who may be in poor physical condition compared to the majority of the team. These studentathletes are to be monitored closely during all practices and competitions by coaches and training staff Athlete Education. The athletics department will educate student athletes on the effects of dehydration and the factors for risk in seasonally conducted health and awareness sessions implemented by coaches and training staff Information Posters. The athletics department and its certified athletic training staff will provide informational postings at practice facilities and training rooms to maintain awareness Basic Responsibilities. Coaches and certified athletic training staff are to implement the hydration protocol during all practices and games, and adapt it as needed. Further, the athletics department, its coaches and certified athletic training staff will inform studentathletes on how to monitor hydration status and assist in hydration efforts by: Providing a scale to assist student athletes in monitoring weight before, during, and after activity. Informing student athletes that a two pound weight loss represents approximately one quart of fluid loss and for activity up to two hours in duration, most weight loss represents water loss, and that fluid loss should be replaced as soon as possible. Encouraging student athletes to drink as much and as frequently as comfort allows. Requiring student athletes to drink one to two 8 oz. glasses of water in the hour before practice or competition, and continue drinking during activity at intervals of every 15 to 20 minutes. Ensuring that after activity, the student athlete will rehydrate with a volume that exceeds the amount lost during the activity. Fluids for the hydration of student athletes must be provided using the optimal oral rehydration solution (water, CHOs, electrolytes) before, during, and after exercise. Fluids must be readily available, easily accessible, and the consumption promoted. When extreme temperatures are present, promotion of fluid intake for studentathletes assumes the highest priority for certified athletic training staff and coaches. Weather conditions are communicated by the coaches and certified athletic training staff to student athletes prior to the start of each practice and competition. 6

7 2.0 Heat Related Illness Practice and Competition Scheduling. The athletics department, coaches and certified athletic training staff will encourage event scheduling and rule modifications to minimize the risks associated with exercise in the heat. Practice times, frequency and duration of practices should reflect acknowledgement of extreme heat or cold to reduce the risk of dehydration Equipment and Apparel Considerations. Clothing to be worn at practice and competition will be provided by the athletics department and the color and fabric of that clothing will be lighter, regardless of school colors, for use in extreme heat and promoted by coaches and certified athletic training staff to mitigate the risk of dehydration. Where sports equipment is worn at practice, it is the responsibility of the coaches and certified athletic training staff to plan accordingly for the removal of equipment that may change the scope of practice sessions. 2.1 General Policy. Heat related illness is inherent to physical activity and its incidence increases with rising ambient temperature and relative humidity. Student athletes who begin training in the late summer experience exertional heat related illness more often than student athletes who begin training during the winter and spring. The athletics department is based on recommendations from nationally certified associations and research regarding identification of symptoms and procedures to lessen the risk and prevent the likelihood of heat related illness occurring among its student athletes. The policies and procedures for risk prevention require a cooperative effort of educated student athletes, coaches, and athletic training staff to ensure the safety of student athletes. The prevention procedures presented herein are non negotiable and the disregard for the prevention of heat related illness may result in termination of employment. 2.2 Descriptions & Symptoms Exercise Associated Muscle (Heat) Cramps. Exercise associated muscle (heat) cramps represent a condition that presents during or after intense exercise sessions as an acute, painful, involuntary muscle contraction. Causes include fluid deficiencies (dehydration), electrolyte imbalances, neuromuscular fatigue, or any combination of these factors Heat Syncope. Heat syncope, or orthostatic dizziness, can occur when a person is exposed to high environmental temperatures. This condition results from peripheral vasodilation, postural pooling of blood, diminished venous return, dehydration, reduction in cardiac output, and/or cerebral ischemia. Heat syncope usually occurs during the first five days of acclimatization, before the blood volume expands, or in persons with heart disease or those taking diuretics. It often occurs after standing for long periods of time, immediately after cessation of activity, or after rapid assumption of upright posture after resting or being seated Exercise (Heat) Exhaustion. Exercise (heat) exhaustion is the inability to continue exercise associated with any combination of heavy sweating, dehydration, sodium loss, and energy depletion. It occurs most frequently in hot, humid conditions. At its worst, it is difficult to distinguish from exertional heat stroke without measuring rectal temperature. Other signs and symptoms include pallor, persistent muscular cramps, 7

8 urge to defecate, weakness, fainting, dizziness, headache, hyperventilation, nausea, anorexia, diarrhea, decreased urine output, and a body core temperature that generally ranges between 36C (97F) and 40C (104F) Exertional Heat Stroke. Exertional heat stroke is an elevated core temperature (usually 40C [104F]) associated with signs of organ system failure due to hyperthermia. The central nervous system neurologic changes are often the first marker of exertional heat stroke. Exertional heat stroke occurs when the temperature regulation system is overwhelmed due to excessive endogenous heat production or inhibited heat loss in challenging environmental conditions and can progress to complete thermoregulatory system failure. This condition is life threatening and can be fatal unless promptly recognized and treated. Signs and symptoms include tachycardia, hypotension, sweating (although skin may be wet or dry at the time of collapse), hyperventilation, altered mental status, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and coma. The risk of morbidity and mortality is greater the longer a student athlete s body temperature remains above 41C (106F) and is significantly reduced if body temperature is lowered rapidly Exertional Hyponatremia. Exertional hyponatremia is a relatively rare condition defined as a serum sodium level less than 130 mmol/l. Low serum sodium levels usually occur when activity exceeds 4 hours, a student athlete ingests water or lowsolute beverages well beyond sweat losses (also known as water intoxication), and/or a student athlete s sweat sodium losses are not adequately replaced. The low bloodsodium levels are the result of a combination of excessive fluid intake and inappropriate body water retention in the water intoxication model and insufficient fluid intake and inadequate sodium replacement in the latter. Ultimately, the intravascular and extracellular fluid has a lower solute load than the intracellular fluids, and water flows into the cells, producing intracellular swelling that causes potentially fatal neurologic and physiologic dysfunction. Affected student athletes present with a combination of disorientation, altered mental status, headache, vomiting, lethargy, and swelling of the extremities (hands and feet), pulmonary edema, cerebral edema, and seizures. Exertional hyponatremia can result in death if not treated properly. This condition can be prevented by matching fluid intake with sweat and urine losses and by rehydrating with fluids that contain sufficient sodium Symptoms List by Type of Illness. Exercise associated muscle (heat) cramps Dehydration, Thirst, Sweating, Transient muscle cramps, Fatigue Heat syncope Dehydration, Fatigue, Tunnel vision, Pale or sweaty skin, Decreased pulse rate, Dizziness, Lightheadedness, Fainting Exercise (heat) exhaustion Normal or elevated body core temperature, Dehydration, Dizziness, Lightheadedness, Syncope, Headache, Nausea, Anorexia, Diarrhea, Decreased urine output, Persistent muscle cramps, Pallor, Profuse sweating, Chills, Cool, clammy skin, Intestinal cramps, Urge to defecate, Weakness, Hyperventilation 8

9 Exertional heat stroke High body core temperature (40C [104F]), Central nervous system changes, Dizziness, Drowsiness, Irrational behavior, Confusion, Irritability, Emotional instability, Hysteria, Apathy, Aggressiveness, Delirium, Disorientation, Staggering, Seizures, Loss of consciousness, Coma, Dehydration, Weakness, Hot and wet or dry skin, Tachycardia (100 to 120 beats per minute), Hypotension, Hyperventilation, Vomiting, Diarrhea Exertional hyponatremia Body core temperature 40C (104F), Nausea, Vomiting, Extremity (hands and feet) swelling, Low blood sodium level, Progressive headache, Confusion, Significant mental compromise, Lethargy, Altered consciousness, Apathy, Pulmonary edema, Cerebral edema, Seizures, Coma 2.3 Risk Factors. All athletics department staff members working with student athletes are responsible for recognizing the following risk factors for heat illnesses: Extreme heat and/or humidity Excessive perspiration Inadequate fluid intake Bouts of vomiting or diarrhea prior to exercise Dark colored urine Alcohol consumption Caffeine use Barriers to evaporation. Certain types of athletic equipment do not allow water vapor to pass through and inhibit evaporative, convective, and radiant heat loss. Illness. Student athletes who are currently or were recently ill may be at an increased risk. Some individuals with a history of heat illness are at greater risk for recurrent heat illness. Increased Body Mass Index. Obese individuals are at an increased risk because the fat layer decreases heat loss. Obese persons are less efficient and have a greater metabolic heat production during exercise. Conversely, muscle bound individuals have increased metabolic heat production and a lower ratio of surface area to mass, contributing to a decreased ability to dissipate heat. Individuals who are untrained are more susceptible to heat illness than are trained studentathletes. Excessive or dark colored clothing or equipment decreases the ability to thermoregulate, and dark colored clothing or equipment may cause a greater absorption of heat from the environment. Overzealous student athletes are at a higher risk for heat illness because they override the normal behavioral adaptations to heat and decrease the likelihood of subtle cues being recognized. Lack of acclimatization to heat. A student athlete with no or minimal physiologic acclimatization to hot conditions is at an increased risk. Medications and Drugs. Athletes who take certain medications or drugs, particularly medications with a dehydrating effect, are at an increased risk. 9

10 2.4 Preventive Measures Hydration Protocol. The Team Physician and/or Director of Sports Medicine will communicate and coordinate with the athletics department s certified athletic training staff frequently and closely to implement a hydration protocol of risk prevention for dehydration as outlined in Sections see All coaches and staff must follow all Preventive Measures for Dehydration as listed in the entirety of Section Preparation for Medical Care. The athletics department will ensure that appropriate medical care is available and that rescue personnel are familiar with exertional heat illness prevention, recognition, and treatment Evaluation by Health Care Providers. The athletics department shall ensure that certified athletic trainers and other health care providers attending practices or events are allowed to evaluate and examine any student athlete who displays signs or symptoms of heat illness and have the authority to restrict the student athlete from participating if heat illness is present Pre Participation Screen Requirement. The athletics department and certified athletic training staff will conduct a thorough, physician supervised, pre participation medical screening before the season starts to identify student athletes predisposed to heat illness on the basis of risk factors and those who have a history of exertional heat illness Heat Adaptation. Coaches and certified athletic training staff will adapt studentathletes to exercise in the heat (acclimatization) gradually over 10 to 14 days. This will be accomplished by progressively increasing the intensity and duration of work in the heat with a combination of strenuous interval training and continuous exercise Education. The athletics department and certified athletic training staff will educate student athletes and coaches regarding the prevention, recognition, and treatment of heat illnesses and the risks associated with exercising in hot, humid environmental conditions Guidelines. The athletics department, coaches, and certified athletic training staff will develop event and practice guidelines for hot, humid weather that anticipate potential problems encountered Rest Breaks. Coaches and certified athletic training staff will plan rest breaks to match the environmental conditions and the intensity of the activity High Risk Student Athletes. Certified athletic training staff will weigh high risk studentathletes (in high risk conditions, weigh all student athletes) before and after practice to estimate the amount of body water lost during practice and to ensure a return to prepractice weight before the next practice Clothing Adjustments. The athletics department, coaches, and certified athletic training staff will minimize the amount of equipment and clothing worn by the athlete in hot or humid (or both) conditions. 10

11 3.0 Cold Related Illnesses Warm Up Considerations. Coaches will minimize warm up time when feasible, and conduct warm up sessions in the shade when possible to minimize the radiant heat exposure for student athletes Adaptation Considerations. Coaches will allow student athletes to practice in shaded areas and use electric or cooling fans to circulate air whenever feasible Emergency Preparedness. The athletics department and certified athletic training staff will have available for use the following supplies on the field, in the locker room, and at various other stations: A supply of cool water or sports drinks or both to meet the needs of studentathletes. Ice for active cooling (ice bags, tub cooling) and to keep beverages cool during exercise. Rectal thermometer to assess body core temperature. Telephone or two way radio to communicate with medical personnel and to summon emergency medical transportation if necessary. Tub, wading pool, kiddy pool, or whirlpool to cool the trunk and extremities for immersion cooling therapy Notification of Health Centers. The athletics department, coaches, and certified athletic training staff will notify local hospital and emergency personnel before mass participation events to inform them of the event and the increased possibility of heatrelated illnesses. 3.1 General. Cold related illness is inherent to physical activity outdoors and its incidence increases with dropping temperatures and in environments with wet or windy conditions (or a combination of these). All of these factors increase the risk of cold related injury for studentathletes. Sports like football, baseball, softball, soccer, lacrosse and track and field that have seasons extending into late fall or early winter or begin in early spring, when weather holds the potential for the aforementioned conditions increase student athletes susceptibility to cold injury. These policies and procedures for risk prevention are a cooperative effort of the athletics department, coaches, and certified athletic training staff for the safety of student athletes. The prevention factors discussed herein are non negotiable and disregard for the prevention of heat related illness may result in termination. 3.2 Descriptions & Symptoms Hypothermia. The signs and symptoms of mild hypothermia include vigorous shivering, increased blood pressure, core body temperature less than 98.6F(37.6C) but greater than 95.6F (35.6C), fine motor skill impairment, lethargy, apathy and mild amnesia. Signs of moderate and severe hypothermia include cessation of shivering, very cold skin, depressed vital signs, core body temperature between 90.6F (32.6C) and 95.6F (35.6C) for moderate hypothermia or below 90.6F (32.6C) for severe hypothermia, impaired mental function, slurred speech, unconsciousness and gross motor skill impairment. 11

12 3.2.2 Frostbite. The signs and symptoms of superficial frostbite include swelling, redness or mottled gray skin appearance, stiffness and transient tingling or burning. Deep frostbite includes edema, mottled or gray skin appearance, tissue that feels hard and does not rebound, blisters, and numbness or loss of sensation Chilblain. Occurs with exposure to cold, wet conditions for more than 60 minutes at temperatures less than 50.6F (16.6C). It can be identified by the presence of small red bumps, swelling, tenderness, itching and pain Immersion Foot. Immersion (Trench) Foot: Occurs with exposure to cold, wet environments for 12 hours to three or four days. Symptoms include burning, tingling or itching, loss of sensation, bluish or blotchy skin, swelling, pain or sensitivity, blisters and skin fissures or maceration. 3.3 Risk Factors. All coaches and training staff shall be educated to recognize the risk factors of cold related illness: Extreme cold, precipitation, wind Existing medical conditions Previous cold injuries. Having sustained a previous cold injury increases the chance of subsequent cold injuries two to four times, even if prior injuries were not debilitating or resolved with no or minimal medical care. Low caloric intake, dehydration, and fatigue. Low caloric intake (less than 1200 to 1500 kcal/day) or hypoglycemia (or both) directly decreases metabolism and concomitant heat production contributing to the inability to maintain body temperature balance through physical activity. Dehydration does not negatively affect peripheral vasoconstriction or shivering and, therefore, does not appear to increase susceptibility to cold injury. Fatigue associated with hypoglycemia is linked to impaired peripheral vasoconstriction and shivering responses and can lead to faulty decision making and inadequate preparations, indirectly resulting in cold injuries. Black individuals have been shown to be two to four times more likely than individuals from other racial groups to sustain cold injuries. These differences may be due to cold weather experience, but are likely due to anthropometric and body composition differences, including less pronounced CIVD, increased sympathetic response to cold exposure, and thinner, longer digits. Nicotine, Alcohol, and Drug Use o Nicotine inhaled through smoking causes a reflex peripheral vasoconstriction, possibly negating the CIVD and later enhancing the cold induced vasoconstriction to maintain core temperature. o Alcohol reduces the glucose concentration in the blood, which tends to decrease the shivering response. Alcohol also may lead to faulty decision making due to its effects on the central nervous system. o Drugs with a depressive effect may impair the thermoregulatory system and so inhibit the body s reaction to cold by blunting the peripheral vasoconstriction and shivering responses. Body Size and Composition. Body fat and muscle mass appear to be instrumental in providing protection for maintaining core body temperature with exposure to cold air and water. This effect appears in both males and females regardless of the amount of clothing worn. 12

13 Aerobic Fitness Level and Training. Overall, physical training and fitness level appear to have only minor influence on thermoregulatory responses to cold. Gender. The hypothermia injury rate for females is two times higher than for males. Sex differences in thermoregulatory responses during cold exposure are influenced by interactions among total body fat content, subcutaneous fat thickness, amount of muscle mass, and surface area to mass ratio. Clothing. The role of clothing in preventing cold injuries lies in its ability to reduce heat loss to the environment by trapping warm air. Cold weather clothing typically has an internal layer that allows evaporation of sweat without absorption, a middle layer that provides insulation, and an external layer that is wind and water resistant and allows evaporation of moisture. The internal layer is in direct contact with the skin and uses a moisture wicking material such as polyester or polypropylene. This layer should not retain moisture but should transfer the moisture to other layers, from which it can evaporate. The middle layer provides the primary insulation against heat loss and can be a fleece or wool material. The outer layer should have venting abilities (i.e., zippers or mesh in the armpits or low back area) to allow moisture transfer to the environment. 3.4 Preventive Measures Availability of Medical Personnel. The athletics department will ensure that appropriate medical care is available and that rescue personnel are familiar with coldrelated illness prevention, recognition, and treatment Evaluation by Health Care Provider. The athletics department will ensure that certified athletic trainers and other health care providers attending practices or events are allowed to evaluate and examine any student athlete who displays signs or symptoms of cold related illness and have the authority to restrict the student athlete from participating if cold illness is present Pre Participation Screening. The athletics department and certified athletic training staff will conduct a thorough, physician supervised, pre participation medical screening before the season starts to identify student athletes predisposed to cold related illness on the basis of risk factors and those who have a history of cold related illness Education. The athletics department and certified athletic training staff will educate student athletes and coaches concerning the prevention, recognition, and treatment of cold injury and the risks associated with activity in cold environments Hydration and Nutrition. The athletics department, coaches, and certified athletic training staff will educate and encourage student athletes to maintain proper hydration and eat a well balanced diet. These guidelines are especially imperative for activities exceeding two hours. Consistent fluid intake during low intensity exercise is necessary to maintain hydration in the presence of typical cold induced diuresis. Student athletes should be encouraged to hydrate even if they are not thirsty, as evidence suggests the normal thirst mechanism is blunted with cold exposure. 13

14 3.4.6 Training Guidelines. The athletics department, coaches, and certified athletic training staff will develop event and practice guidelines that include recommendations for managing student athletes participating in cold, windy, and wet conditions. The influence of air temperature and wind speed conditions should be taken into account by using wind chill guidelines Clothing. The athletics department will issue to student athletes clothing that should provide an internal layer that allows evaporation of sweat with minimal absorption, a middle layer that provides insulation, and a removable external layer that is wind and water resistant and allows for evaporation of moisture Warm Up. Coaches and certified athletic training staff will provide the opportunity for athletes to re warm, as needed, during and after activity using external heaters, a warm indoor environment, or the addition of clothing Emergency Supplies. The athletics department and certified athletic training staff will include the following supplies on the field, in the locker room, or at convenient aid stations for re warming purposes: A supply of water or sports drinks for rehydration purposes as well as warm fluids for possible re warming purposes. o Fluids that may freeze during events in subfreezing temperatures may need to be placed in insulated containers or replaced intermittently. Heat packs, blankets, additional clothing, and external heaters, if feasible, for active re warming. Flexible rectal thermometer probe to assess core body temperature. o Rectal temperature has been identified as the best combination of practicality and accuracy for assessing core temperature in the field. o The rectal thermometer used should be a low reading thermometer (i.e. capable of measuring temperatures below 95.6F [35.3C]). Telephone or two way radio to communicate with additional medical personnel and to summon emergency medical transportation. Tub, wading pool, or whirlpool for immersion warming treatments (including a thermometer and additional warm water to maintain required temperatures) Notification of Health Centers. The athletics department, coaches, and certified athletic training staff will notify area hospital and emergency personnel before large events to inform them of the potential for cold related injuries. 14