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Updated: Jul 15, 2026

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A Preclinical Model of Exertional Heat Stroke in Mice
Published on: July 1, 2021
Exertional heat stroke in the marathon
1Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Minnesota School of Medicine, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA. rober037@umn.edu
Sports Medicine (Auckland, N.Z.)
|May 1, 2007
Summary
Recognizing and rapidly cooling exertional heat stroke (EHS) in marathon runners is critical. Immediate whole-body cooling significantly improves outcomes and prevents irreversible cell damage, saving lives.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Emergency Medicine
- Physiology
Background:
- Exertional heat stroke (EHS) is a life-threatening condition often occurring during marathon races.
- Delayed recognition and treatment of EHS can lead to severe morbidity and mortality.
- Rapid cooling is essential to halt heat-induced cellular damage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To emphasize the critical importance of prompt recognition and immediate cooling for exertional heat stroke.
- To outline effective field treatment strategies for EHS in marathon runners.
- To define the target temperature-time threshold for preventing irreversible tissue damage.
Main Methods:
- Rectal temperature measurement as the precise field estimate of core body temperature.
- Immediate, total-body cooling techniques including ice-water tub immersion or ice-water towels.
- Application of ice packs to the neck, axillae, and groin to enhance cooling.
Main Results:
- Immediate cooling markedly improves outcomes for exertional heat stroke patients.
- Maintaining the core temperature above 40.5°C under 60 degree-minutes is crucial.
- On-site cooling followed by transfer offers optimal outcomes for stable patients.
Conclusions:
- Prompt recognition and immediate, aggressive whole-body cooling are paramount in managing exertional heat stroke.
- Field treatment should prioritize rapid cooling to prevent irreversible cellular damage.
- On-site cooling for stable EHS patients before transfer is the recommended approach for optimal survival and recovery.
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