Abstract |
Cold-water immersion (CWI) is the gold standard therapy for exertional heat illness (EHS), and it is critical to perform CWI expeditiously when the core temperature exceeds 40°C; however, the treatment comes with risks, most notably hypothermia. Following a major marathon, three runners presented to our emergency department (ED) with symptomatic mild hypothermia requiring re-warming. Prior to developing hypothermia, all three were treated at the racecourse with CWI for EHS. During CWI, there are monitoring methods to determine appropriate cessation: continuous temperature measurement, regular temperature checks, using an equation to predict immersion time, and symptom observation. There is no consensus on the best system, but a monitoring method should be used to prevent over-cooling. This case series illustrates the importance of proper CWI execution in order to avoid harm.
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Authors | Genevra L Stone, Leon D Sanchez |
Journal | Research in sports medicine (Print)
(Res Sports Med)
2023 May-Jun
Vol. 31
Issue 3
Pg. 255-259
ISSN: 1543-8635 [Electronic] England |
PMID | 34383570
(Publication Type: Journal Article)
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Chemical References |
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Topics |
- Humans
- Hypothermia
- Immersion
- Cold Temperature
- Body Temperature
- Heat Stress Disorders
(therapy)
- Water
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