Treatment of Exertional Heatstroke witH icE wAter Soaked Towels

Exertional heat stroke (EHS) is the most serious form of heat-illness that can occur during sports and exercise. If not recognized and treated immediately mortality rate of EHS is high. Early recognition and initiation of cooling are paramount. If temperature is reduced to < 40°C within 30 minutes of symptom onset, most patients recover completely. There are several strategies for cooling in EHS, including cooling with rotating in ice water soaked towels which cover the body of a patient.The aim of this research is to investigate the effectiveness and safety of treatment of EHS with ice water soaked towels to lower body temperature.

Inclusion Criteria:In order to be eligible to participate in this study, a subject must meet all of the following criteria:≥18 yearsReceive medical care at in the medical facility the City Pier City and Marathon Rotterdam 2023Tympanic temperature >38.0°CExclusion Criteria:A potential subject who meets any of the following criteria will be excluded from participation in this study:• Language barrier (not proficient in Dutch or English)