ORANGE PARK, Fla. – Fall sports are back in full swing, and so is the heat. With kids suiting up in pads and helmets for Friday night lights and weekend activities, HCA Florida Orange Park Hospital is urging parents to recognize the warning signs of heat-related illness before it becomes a life-threatening emergency.
Paramedic Joshua Moore says staying hydrated is the starting point.
“Making sure that they’re not drinking a whole lot of soda, staying properly hydrated with water, Gatorade,” Moore said.
Knowing the difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke could save a child’s life. Heat exhaustion is basically the body’s warning sign — marked by sweating and tiredness.
Heat stroke is where things turn dangerous. A core body temperature of 104 degrees signals a medical emergency, and death becomes possible at 107 degrees or higher.
Moore says confusion is one of the clearest red flags.
“A lot of times the skin dries up, they’re going to be acting confused, not making a whole lot of sense,” he said.
Children are especially vulnerable. HCA Florida Orange Park Hospital says a child’s body temperature rises three to five times faster than an adult’s. Add pads, helmets, and extra layers that trap heat, and the risk can climb faster.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), nearly 9,000 high school athletes are treated for heat-related illnesses every year across the country. If a young athlete starts showing symptoms, Moore says act immediately.
“Check their temperature. You want to use active cooling techniques, so get some cool rags, put them on their neck, armpit areas,” he said.
Moore adds the same warning applies to adults — watch for cramps, excessive sweating, and confusion, and make hydration a priority.
“Get out of the sun, get out of the heat as fast as you can,” Moore said.
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