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Exertional Heat Stroke Knowledge and Management among Emergency Medical Service Providers

Author

Listed:
  • Rebecca Hirschhorn

    (Warrior Research Center, School of Kinesiology, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA)

  • Oluwagbemiga DadeMatthews

    (Warrior Research Center, School of Kinesiology, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA)

  • JoEllen Sefton

    (Warrior Research Center, School of Kinesiology, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA)

Abstract

This study evaluated emergency medical services (EMS) providers’ knowledge of exertional heat stroke (EHS) and assessed current EMS capabilities for recognizing and managing EHS. EMS providers currently practicing in the United States were recruited to complete a 25-item questionnaire. There were 216 questionnaire responses (183 complete) representing 28 states. On average, respondents were 42.0 ± 13.0 years old, male ( n = 163, 75.5%), and white ( n = 176, 81.5%). Most respondents were Paramedics ( n = 110, 50.9%) and had ≥16 years of experience ( n = 109/214, 50.9%) working in EMS. Fifty-five percent ( n = 99/180) of respondents had previously treated a patient with EHS. The average number of correct answers on the knowledge assessment was 2.6 ± 1.2 out of 7 (~37% correct). Temporal ( n = 79), tympanic ( n = 76), and oral ( n = 68) thermometers were the most prevalent methods of temperature assessment available. Chemical cold packs ( n = 164) and air conditioning ( n = 134) were the most prevalent cooling methods available. Respondents demonstrated poor knowledge regarding EHS despite years of experience, and over half stating they had previously treated EHS in the field. Few EMS providers reported having access to an appropriate method of assessing or cooling a patient with EHS. Updated, evidence-based training needs to be provided and stakeholders should ensure their EMS providers have access to appropriate equipment.

Suggested Citation

  • Rebecca Hirschhorn & Oluwagbemiga DadeMatthews & JoEllen Sefton, 2021. "Exertional Heat Stroke Knowledge and Management among Emergency Medical Service Providers," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(9), pages 1-15, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:9:p:5016-:d:551153
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Faith O. Alele & Bunmi S. Malau-Aduli & Aduli E. O. Malau-Aduli & Melissa J. Crowe, 2020. "Epidemiology of Exertional Heat Illness in the Military: A Systematic Review of Observational Studies," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(19), pages 1-27, September.
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    Cited by:

    1. Timothy English & Matthew Larkin & Alejandro Vasquez Hernandez & Jennie Hutton & Jane Currie, 2022. "Heat Illness Requiring Emergency Care for People Experiencing Homelessness: A Case Study Series," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(24), pages 1-11, December.
    2. Kijin Seong & Junfeng Jiao & Akhil Mandalapu, 2023. "Hourly Associations between Heat Index and Heat-Related Emergency Medical Service (EMS) Calls in Austin-Travis County, Texas," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(19), pages 1-15, September.

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