Exertional heat stroke (EHS) is one of the three leading causes of death in sport (and the leading cause in the summer).  But death from exertional heat stroke is 100 percent preventable when proper recognition and treatment protocols are implemented. Putting the right programs into place is essential to prevent and treat exertional heat illnesses and ensure appropriate care is in place.

• A heat acclimatization policy should be implemented to allow athletes to be acclimatized to the heat gradually over a period of 7 to 14 days. This is optimal for full heat acclimatization.

• Plan rest breaks and modify the work-to-rest ratio to match environmental conditions and the intensity of the activity.