Saturday, August 18, 2007

HEAT STROKE HITS HIGH SCHOOLERS

From Today's LATIMES.com:

Irvine football player dies
The 16-year-old lost consciousness during practice at Beckman High School and was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.
By David ReyesAugust 18, 2007

A 16-year-old football player died early Friday after collapsing during practice at Arnold O. Beckman High School in Irvine, police said.Kenny Wilson, a junior lineman, fell ill at practice and lost consciousness during a team workout shortly before 11 a.m., Irvine Lt. Henry Boggs said.Coaches and the team's trainer gave first aid before paramedics arrived, but as Wilson was being rushed to Western Medical Center, Santa Ana, he suffered cardiac arrest and was declared dead at the hospital, Boggs said.
The rest of the story


BJK: Recently, I spent some time talking with the head of the Fairfax County Public Schools Athletic Training program, John Almquist.

While this appears to be a heat stroke, it is key to recognize that the "school of thought" surrounding heat stroke has changed over the years.

According to Almquist, it was originally believed that if a player was still sweating that he was fine to continue participating in a heated environment: ie' most high school football practices.


Almquist, who joined me on The Fairfax Sports Report click to share his expertise on the subject, says that is no longer the case. Also, getting a heat-striken player directly into icewater used to be against regulations. Almquist claims that now the icebath should be the first line of defense.

Learn more about heatstroke

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