Citation

Brearley MB. Ann. Work Expo. Health 2019; 63(3): 263-266.

Affiliation

Thermal Hyperformance, Howard Springs NT, Australia.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, Oxford University Press)

DOI

10.1093/annweh/wxz001

PMID

30908575

Abstract

Workers that combine physical exertion with exposure to hot conditions are susceptible to heat-related illnesses, including heat stroke. Despite recognition of cold water immersion as the heat stroke treatment of choice in the peer-reviewed literature, it was not included within recommended treatments of leading Australian healthcare training organizations and was omitted from Safe Work Australia's recently updated 'Managing the risks of working in heat' guidance material. On this basis, the guidance material appears an opportunity lost to assist Australian industry transition their heat stroke management to reflect the evidence. It is recommended that Australian providers of healthcare training, and those reliant on such information, review the efficacy of their heat stroke treatments.

© The Author(s) 2019. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the British Occupational Hygiene Society.

Language: en

Keywords

cooling; exertional heat stroke; heat stress; heat stroke treatment; water immersion