Safety Concerns in high temperatures

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I love self confidence in a girl! Granted it may have sounded a little rough around the edges, but that's the right attitude to have. Every girl on our team better have the mental attitude that she's the best at that position she's in! My DD catches,if u ask her who's the best, shell reply "me, no ones stealing, no balls are getting past, and I'm the best catcher in this tournament".... true or not, that's the attitude I love in a girl! All of our girls mentally prepare themselves to play every tournament that way.

 

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um i really hope the parent of the other pitcher doesn't read this on the ofc as it really comes off as daddy ball at it's finest

amen

 

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Wow-- some of you guys are hard core. I went thru AF basic training in San Antonio in August and September and there were several days when we were not allowed to do physical training because of the heat index. You would think those folks would have some experience with things that can go wrong very quickly in hot weather, wouldn't you? I agree most players can get by--it is the pitchers, catchers, and umpires that most concern me--the pitchers are working very hard and the catcher's and umpire's gear result in extra heat on their bodies. I have some good experience in the heat--grew up in the peanut fields of Tidewater Virginia and spent 5 years in tropical conditions ( Vietnam, Okinawa, and Ft Walton Beach) and there's time when discretion is better unless there is no alternative.

 

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amen

Ummm no they arent on OFC. Who said they were? They dont even know what OFC is, thanks.. and those that know me know I'm far from daddy ball..read the whole post, I said she has lacked confidence and was nice to hear....That was the moral of the story.

 

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Wow-- some of you guys are hard core. I went thru AF basic training in San Antonio in August and September and there were several days when we were not allowed to do physical training because of the heat index. You would think those folks would have some experience with things that can go wrong very quickly in hot weather, wouldn't you? I agree most players can get by--it is the pitchers, catchers, and umpires that most concern me--the pitchers are working very hard and the catcher's and umpire's gear result in extra heat on their bodies. I have some good experience in the heat--grew up in the peanut fields of Tidewater Virginia and spent 5 years in tropical conditions ( Vietnam, Okinawa, and Ft Walton Beach) and there's time when discretion is better unless there is no alternative.

TD,
As a coach my number 1 concern is player safety so I agree you have to worry about that before winning.

 

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Since we all of us are intending to play this weekend..... (this makes up for all those March High School games at 32oF and sleet)

Perhaps a 411 on heat first aid would be in order from our medical OFC'ers


What are the early symptoms of heat stroke? (What should a coach look for in a player?)
What should a coach do if a player shows those symptoms?

 

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The TD of our weekend tournament just shortened the games by 10 minutes and left the starting times the same to provide the girls more time off of the fields to recover and rehydrate.

We have 4 games on Saturday and the shorter games will certainly help.

 

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From University of Maryland Medical Center website

Symptoms

The early symptoms of heat illness include:

• Profuse sweating
• Fatigue
• Thirst
• Muscle cramps

Later symptoms of heat exhaustion include:

• Headache
• Dizziness and lightheadedness
• Weakness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Cool, moist skin
• Dark urine

The symptoms of heatstroke include:

• Fever (temperature above 104 ?F)
• Irrational behavior
• Extreme confusion
• Dry, hot, and red skin
• Rapid, shallow breathing
• Rapid, weak pulse
• Seizures
• Unconsciousness

First Aid:

• Have the person lie down in a cool place. Raise the person's feet about 12 inches.
• Apply cool, wet cloths (or cool water directly) to the person's skin and use a fan to lower body temperature. Place cold compresses on the person's neck, groin, and armpits.
• If alert, give the person beverages to sip (such as Gatorade), or make a salted drink by adding a teaspoon of salt per quart of water. Give a half cup every 15 minutes. Cool water will do if salt beverages are not available.
• For muscle cramps, give beverages as above and massage affected muscles gently, but firmly, until they relax.
• If the person shows signs of shock (bluish lips and fingernails and decreased alertness), starts having seizures, or loses consciousness, call 911 and give first aid as needed.

Do Not:

• Do NOT underestimate the seriousness of heat illness, especially if the person is a child, elderly, or injured.
• Do NOT give the person medications that are used to treat fever (such as aspirin or acetaminophen). They will not help, and they may be harmful.
• Do NOT give the person salt tablets.
• Do NOT give the person liquids that contain alcohol or caffeine. They will interfere with the body's ability to control its internal temperature.
• Do NOT use alcohol rubs on the person's skin.
• Do NOT give the person anything by mouth (not even salted drinks) if the person is vomiting or unconscious.

Call immediately for emergency medical assistance if:

Call 911 if:

• The person loses consciousness at any time.
• There is any other change in the person's alertness (for example, confusion or seizures).
• The person has a fever over 102 ?F.
• Other symptoms of heatstroke are present (like rapid pulse or rapid breathing).
• The person's condition does not improve, or worsens despite treatment.

 

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Be prepared Berliner is taking advantage of the high temperatures & recent power outages charging a whooping $16 for a big bag of ice......talk about taking advantage of people!!!

 

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Wow. Someone just reminded me that McDonald's sells ice - $5 for a big bag. Always good to know in an emergency.

 

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Sue
Thanks for the info.

I'm taking a few copies with me this weekend.

 

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Thank you Sue99 - this is extremely helpful information - I plan to take copies to our tourney this weekend.

 

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Thanks Sue! Very helpful.

 

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Anyone doing anything outside in extreme heat should be upping their intake of fluids (no caffeine) 2 days prior and continue on the day of. Tell your girls to NOT be gulping their drinks down fast, they should put amount in their mouths, swish it around and swallow slowly. Gulping in this kind of heat can easily result in becoming sick and throwing up, which will lead to a faster dehydration. Have them put GoldBond on their chest, stomach, back area, keep ya cool for at least your first game. Most of these girls will be wearing sports bras, tell them to throw down 2 cubes of ice in front and back, it will cool them down and repeat while they're in the dugout. Eat light, watermelon, grapes, oranges, strawberries, lunchables, no big meals or again, sickness probably will occur. Spray bottles, frog togs (put in zip lock with cold water) and place in cooler with lots of ice around the bag. Might want to pack a thermometer in case any girl is looking bad during your game....

 

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well my concern just went higher finding out that our tournament dosnt have covered dugouts! Guess ill have to bring a tarp

 

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103 in Toledo. 90 minute games. DD's team played 3 complete. Major respect to these girls!

 

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I had a killer headache yesterday - was much better today! Even knowing what I had to do I couldn't stay cool enough, but thanks to that article i knew what steps I needed to take to recover. The frog towel was a big help. The girls did great though! I am glad to say that here in the 'Burgh every dugout is covered.

 

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Is bringing a fan into the dugout OK? We can plug it into our radio (Bosch, with outlets on it). Or is that considered taboo for some reason?

 

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Seen it done yesterday with a big Barn fan and generator...I bought Hndful of battery operated fans I found at a Home Depot and made them so they would hang on the fence...girls loved them

 

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this is considered gouging and should be reported.