Hot Weather Guideline Overview August 2005

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Hot Weather Guideline Overview August 2005

• Glenn Mackenzie
• Level 1 coach
• C grade Official
• President Hallett Cove LAC

www.hclac.org.au
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Overview

• Heat policy vs sunsmart policy
• What are the risks
• Heat exhaustion vs Heat stroke
• Treatment
• Prevention
• Wet-bulb temperature
• Event checklist

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Hot Weather vs Sunsmart

• Hot Weather
• Minimize risk from excessive heat
• More immediate effects
• Relates to heat and dehydration
• All clubs should have a policy in place (as per
  Smartplay guidelines) as part of risk management
  plan

• Sun smart
• Minimize risk of Skin cancer
• Long term risk
• All clubs should have a policy in place
• Refer to http//www.hclac.org.au/About/HCLACSunSma
  rtpolicy.pdf

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Sun Smart policy

• Scheduling events in cooler part of day
• Sun Protective Clothing
• Shirt with colour
• High shirt collar
• Wide Brim hats
• Provide Shade at events
• Sun Block 30

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For full document refer to policies section of
web site
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For full document refer to policies section of
web site www.hclac.org.au See also
http//www.smasa.asn.au/resources/resources.htmen
vironmental
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For full document refer to policies section
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What are the risks?

• As outside temp raises above body temp (normal
  approx 36.2) it becomes exponentially more
  difficult to cool the body
• main factors are involved
• Temperature
• Humidity
• movement of air
• radiant temperature of surroundings
• clothing
• physical activity.

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Progression

• Dehydration
• Fluid loss during exercise due to perspiration
  respiration
• ?Heat exhaustion
• High heart rate
• Dizziness
• Loss of performance
• Cramps
• ? Heat Stroke
• Confusion and collapse
• Potentially fatal condition requires medical
  treatment

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Common signs of heat exhaustion

• Fatigue, dizziness, headache and nausea
• These symptoms are followed by cold, pale and
  clammy skin with increased breathing and pulse
  rates
• Stomach and leg cramps may also occur
• If you recognise these signs you need to act
  quickly

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Treatment heat exhaustion

• Have the patient lie or sit down in a cool,
  shaded area with good air circulation
• Elevate the feet
• Start to replace both fluid and salt loss. Give
  both water and sports drink if available
• Loosen clothing
• Saturate clothing in cool water. If necessary
  remove outer clothing and wrap patient in a wet
  sheet or towel
• Use fans or other cooling devices to help reduce
  body temperature
• Immerse in cool (not cold) water

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Heat stroke

• Signs include
• a high body temperature
• red-hot dry skin
• loss of consciousness, a full bounding pulse and
  rapid shallow noisy breathing.
• Without prompt care, a child with heat
• stroke will die.
• Treat the child in a similar way to a child
  suffering heat exhaustion but seek medical
  attention as a matter of urgency.
• Heat stroke puts a huge strain on the bodys
  circulation system, kidneys, brain and lungs.

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Prevention

• Prevention is crucial with heat injuries, because
  if you leave it too late, you may not get a
  second chance
• Drink, and drink often DO NOT WAIT TO FEEL
  THIRSTY BEFORE YOU DRINK!
• Water is usually best, however, a good quality
  sports drink will also help to replace salts and
  minerals lost through sweat.
• Slip, Slop, Slap, Shade
• Wear loose fitting clothing that doesn't restrict
  your movement, and also allows for a good
  circulation of air.

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Prevention

• Avoid the extreme heat of the middle of the day
• If possible schedule your events times around
  the cooler parts of the day
• Avoid sunburn at all costs.
• Sunburn will draw fluid from all areas of your
  body in an effort to replenish moisture in the
  skin.
• If at all possible, acclimatize to your current
  training and playing environment.
• Avoid caffeine and sugary drinks like soft
  drinks.

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Caution is required
http//www.smartplay.net/moves/peak_perform/drinku
p/drinkupfacts.html
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The Wet bulb Globe temperature (WBGT)

• Measure of thermal stress
• Takes into account
• Ambient temp
• Humidity (ability to sweat)
• Wind
• An absolute temperature doesnt accurately assess
  the risk
• High temp with low humidity
• High temp with high humidity

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Measuring WBT

• The simplified formula used
• WBGT 0.567 Td 0.393 e 3.94
• where
• Td Dry bulb temperature
• (C)e Water vapour pressure (hPa) humidity
• Source American College of Sports Medicine,
  Prevention of thermal injuries during distance
  running - Position Stand. Med.J.Aust. 1984 Dec.
  876

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WBGT web site

• Calculated at various sites
• Updated approx every ½ hour
• Colour coded if high recording
• Green moderate
• Yellow high
• Red very high
• Black extreme
• http//www.bom.gov.au/products/IDS65004.shtml

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WGBT

• The higher the reading the greater the risk of
  thermal injury

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What Factors Affect the risk?

• WBGT
• Duration and intensity of an event
• Acclimatisation of athlete
• Fitness Level of athletes
• Age gender
• Hydration opportunities
• Time of Day
• Surface Type
• Venue
• Predisposing medical Conditions

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Athletics Example
2
20
2
10
8
8
8
5
0
6
Total
74-77
5-8
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Total of 74-77?
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Final thoughts

• Prevention is the key
• Be aware of the symptoms
• Parents must take responsibility for their
  childrens safety
• On track officials need to take care
• What are the consequences of cancelling events?
• Risk vs Benefit
• Does the association have an accessible policy?
• What is it ?
• Does this policy use Sports Medicine
  Guidelines???

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References

• www.Smartplay.net
• www.smasa.asn.au
• www.bom.gov.au/products/IDS65004.shtml
• www.hclac.org.au