How Do You Prepare for and Appropriately Implement the Use of Cold-Water Immersion for the Emergency Management of Exertional Heat Stroke?

Exertional heat stroke (EHS) is a medical emergency, and prompt, aggressive steps to cool the body below 40°C (104°F) within the first 30 minutes is critical in saving an athlete’s life. Cold-water immersion (CWI) is the “gold standard” in treatment of EHS, as it provides the most efficient whole-body cooling to lower core body temperature. 1-4 In addition, CWI is an easy and inexpensive way to treat EHS because the equipment can quickly be set up on a daily basis, and only water, ice, and a tub (or something that can be filled with ice and water and large enough to fit the largest person on the team) are required.