Monitoring of Core Body Temperature During Exertional Heat Illnesses Emergencies

Abstract

This editorial is to promote the use of rectal thermometer devices during an exertional heat ill nesses (EHI) emergency. With today’s technology, there are hand-held electronic monitors in the market, that allow the athletic trainer on the field, to insert the probe end, and continually monitor the core body temperature while cooling efforts are attempted, and emergency medical services (EMS) is activated. Standard glass thermometers are useful, but a digital readout would be constant. Time is an issue, seconds count. The athletic trainer is taught to recognize the signs and symptoms of EHI, which may include syncope, profuse sweating, irritability, confusion, dizziness, loss of balance.