What happens when you get heat stroke? - Douglas J. Casa

Summary

The video script narrates the story of Douglas Casa, who survived exertional heat stroke during a race in 1985 and has since saved 167 others. It explains the dangers of this condition, which is a leading cause of death among athletes and soldiers. The script outlines the process of diagnosing heat stroke through core body temperature and physical symptoms, emphasizing the critical 'cool first, transport second' treatment approach, including rapid cooling methods and the importance of immediate action to prevent severe outcomes.

Takeaways

• 🏃‍♂️ Douglas Casa, at 16, suffered an exertional heat stroke during a championship race, highlighting the risk even for young athletes.
• ⚔️ Exertional heat stroke has been a concern from ancient times to present, affecting athletes and soldiers due to intense exercise in the heat.
• 🌡️ Unlike classical heat stroke, exertional heat stroke is caused by physical exertion under heat and humidity, not just high ambient temperatures.
• 🔥 During exercise, nearly 80% of energy is converted to heat, which under normal conditions, the body can dissipate through sweating.
• 💦 Uncompensable heat stress occurs when the body cannot lose heat fast enough, leading to a dangerous rise in core temperature.
• 🧬 High core temperatures can cause proteins and cell membranes to denature, impairing cell function and leading to cell leakage.
• 🚑 Exertional heat stroke is diagnosed by a core body temperature over 40°C along with physical and CNS symptoms like confusion or unconsciousness.
• 🌡️ Rectal thermometers are the most accurate method to measure core body temperature in cases of suspected heat stroke.
• 🧊 The primary treatment is rapid cooling on site before transportation, as the body can endure high temperatures for a short time without permanent damage.
• 🛁 Placing the victim in an ice water tub or dousing with ice water and applying wet towels can help lower body temperature quickly.
• 🆘 Always call emergency services first, then begin cooling measures and keep the victim calm until help arrives.
• 🌡️ On-site medical staff should continue cooling until the core temperature drops to 38.9°C, ensuring the best chance of survival.

Q & A

What incident occurred to Douglas Casa in 1985 during the Empire State Games?

Douglas Casa, a 16-year-old athlete, suffered an exertional heat stroke during the championship 10,000 meter track race, collapsing twice before the finish line.

How many people has Douglas Casa helped save since his own heat stroke incident?

Douglas Casa has helped save 167 people in similar circumstances to his own heat stroke incident.

What is the difference between exertional heat stroke and classical heat stroke?

Exertional heat stroke is caused by intense exercise in the heat and primarily affects athletes and soldiers in training, while classical heat stroke affects vulnerable individuals like infants and the elderly during heat waves.

Why is exertional heat stroke considered a serious concern?

Exertional heat stroke is a serious concern because it is one of the top three killers of athletes and soldiers in training.

What percentage of energy used during exercise is transformed into heat?

Nearly 80% of the energy used during exercise is transformed into heat.

What is compensable heat stress and how does the body handle it?

Compensable heat stress is a condition where the body can dissipate heat as quickly as it's generated through cooling methods like the evaporation of sweat.

What causes uncompensable heat stress?

Uncompensable heat stress occurs when the body is unable to lose enough heat due to overexertion or high temperatures and humidity, leading to an increase in core temperature beyond normal levels.

What are the potential consequences of a core temperature increase due to exertional heat stroke?

Potential consequences include protein and cell membrane denaturation, cell dysfunction, liver damage, blood clot formation in the kidneys, damage to the gastrointestinal tract, and even vital organ failure.

What is the main criterion for diagnosing an exertional heat stroke?

The main criterion for diagnosing an exertional heat stroke is a core body temperature greater than 40 degrees Celsius, along with physical symptoms or signs of central nervous system dysfunction.

Why is it important to initiate rapid cooling on site for an exertional heat stroke victim?

It is important to initiate rapid cooling on site because the human body can withstand a core temperature above 40 degrees Celsius for about 30 minutes before cell damage sets in.

What is the recommended initial treatment for an exertional heat stroke victim?

The recommended initial treatment is to cool the victim first using methods like an ice water tub or wet towels, while monitoring vitals and waiting for emergency personnel to arrive.

What should be done to continue cooling an exertional heat stroke victim until medical help arrives?

If medical staff are available on site, cooling should continue until the victim's core temperature reaches 38.9 degrees Celsius.