Evidence-based medicine and the recognition and treatment of exertional heat stroke, part II: a perspective from the clinical athletic trainer.

Context: Exertional heat stroke (EHS) is one of the leading causes of death in athletes. Certified athletic trainers (ATs) demonstrate strong knowledge of recommended practices with EHS but are apprehensive in implementing 2 basic procedures: rectal temperature assessment and cold water immersion. This apprehension might lead to deaths from EHS that could have been prevented.

Evidence-based practice and the recognition and treatment of exertional heat stroke, part I: a perspective from the athletic training educator.

Context: Athletic trainers (ATs) know to diagnose exertional heat stroke (EHS) via rectal thermometry (T(re)) and to treat EHS via cold-water immersion (CWI) but do not implement these recommendations in clinical practice.

Objective: To gain an understanding of educational techniques used to deliver content regarding EHS.

Design: Qualitative study.