What is hyperthermia?

Hyperthermia (heat exhaustion or heat stroke) - This condition occurs when the body produces/absorbs more heat than it can release. The body eventually becomes overwhelmed and unable to deal with this excessive heat and body temperature quickly rockets out of control.

When the body temperature reaches or exceeds 99 degrees, signs are profuse sweating, mental confusion, muscle cramps and often nausea or vomiting. Full heat stroke is when the temperature rises to 103 or 104 degrees F. Victims may become confused, hostile and experience headaches or even seem intoxicated.

In order to deal with excessive heat the body uses perspiration and dehydration can happen quickly. As a result of dehydration, blood pressure may drop, causing dizziness or fainting.

Immediate lowering of the core temperature can make the difference between recovery and significant injury or death. Seek medical attention as soon as possible!

Quick list to lowering core temperature:

• Monitor the victim's temperature continuously.
• Move the victim to a cool area (indoors or shade)
• Remove clothing to promote heat loss
• Bathe in cool water (ice and very cold water can produce hypothermia)
• Hyperthermia vest - providing cold compress to the upper body.
• Cold compress to the head, neck and groin
• Fan the victim
• Feed the victim a small amount water (caffeine, alcohol and sugary drinks should be avoided due to diuretic properties) if the victim is conscious and unconfused.

Wear light, loose-fitting clothing - this allows your skin to breathe easily and lets sweat evaporate quickly. Wear a hat (wide-brimmed is best) to keep the sun from your head, and neck.

Always drink plenty of water when in excessive heat and avoid caffeine, alcohol and sugared drinks.

MAY 2007

The ice jackets have been fantastic for our America's Cup athletes recovery. We now have all our athletes using the jackets immediately after upperbody weight training and arm ergometer interval training in order to accelerate the recovery process.

Since using the ice jackets we have seen a significant reduction in the incidence of chronic injuries and in the severity of acute upper-limb muscular injuries. We have also found the ice jacket to reduce delayed onset of muscle soreness after high intensity sailing or racing.

Kind regards,
Vernon Neville, Exercise Physiologist (MSc*D; CSCS*D)
Head of Sports Science & Medicine
Luna Rossa Challenge 2007
32nd America's Cup Finalist