BNA Heat Guidelines

BNA HEAT POLICY – EXERTIONAL HEAT ILLNESS

BNA HEAT GUIDELINES

Note: different to UV Radiation = skin cancer risk “Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, Slide”

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

1. Muscle Cramps: Abdominal, arm, leg spasms due to loss of water / salt
2. Heat Syncope: Dizziness, fainting, headache, vomiting due to drop in BP
3. Heat Exhaustion: All above and sweating +++, weakness, extreme thirst, rapid weak pulse
4. Heat Stroke: Confusion, seizures, irrational behaviour, loss of coordination, rapid pulse, red hot dry skin (no sweating), collapse / loss of consciousness

FIRST AID MANAGEMENT

Cramps / Syncope (1 & 2)

• STOP activity
• REST in a cool environment
• HYDRATE with water

Exhaustion (3)

• As above and
• Lay person down
• Cool body – ice packs underarms & groin; cool water mist; air con / fan; remove clothing
• Call ambulance
• Prepare for CPR

Heat Stroke (4)  MEDICAL EMERGENCY > CALL 000 

• No fluids 
• If unconscious > place on side and clear airway (ABCD)

PREVENTION / PREPARATION

HYDRATE:

• No alcohol, coffee, high sugar drinks
• Water before, during & after, even if not thirsty
• PRE-EXERCISE: Drink at least 2 cups (500ml) an hour before
• DURING: Drink at least 150ml every 15 mins during the game

STAY COOL:

• Appropriate clothing – lightweight + hat (soft brim for netball)
• Seek shaded or air-conditioned area during breaks
• Ice packs

SPEAK UP: Notify parent, coach, official if feeling uncomfortable

RISK FACTORS (netball)

Individual

• Age: young children / over 65
• Physical condition: fitness, weight, pregnancy
• Medical: acute or chronic illness, some medications
• Dehydration: due to sweating & inadequate replacement
• Intensity of exercise: breaks
• Clothing: light weight + soft-brimmed hat

Environment

• Humidity high
• Acclimatization inadequate ie) not used to hot weather Playing surface: synthetic radiates heat
• Outdoor venue with limited shade
• Time of play: after 11am
• Duration of play: > 45 mins

TEAM MITIGATION STRATEGIES

Note: Multiple factors contribute, not just predicted ambient temperature

• Limit warm up activities
• Players encouraged to wear soft brimmed hats
• Players encouraged to hydrate ++ before match
• All players to bring water bottles & can drink at any time during play
• Rest & drink breaks after each quarter, preferably in the shade
• Centre players should be rotated every quarter
• Use rolling substitutions
• No penalties for forfeits
• Shorter duration of play – not necessary with < 45mins
• Rescheduling where possible – not possible for BNA as no other options
• Cancellation of activity in extreme circumstances only ie) Wet Bulb Globe Temp 35 degrees

Note:

• Nurse and doctor available on site
• Ice available at the kiosk
• Air conditioning available in the multi-purpose room.
• We are subscribed to the Victorian Government Heat Health Alert System

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