Faculty of Pre-Hospital Care: consensus statement on the prehospital management of exertional heat illness

Emerg Med J. 2025 May 22;42(6):390-395. doi: 10.1136/emermed-2024-214795.

Abstract

Exertional heat illness (EHI) is an increasing cause of morbidity and mortality where physical activity is conducted, particularly in hot conditions. Prompt recognition and treatment of EHI have the potential to significantly alter the patient's outcome, and so adequate prehospital management is vital. This consensus statement provides evidence-based guidance and expert recommendations on the recognition, diagnosis and immediate management of EHI in the prehospital environment.

Keywords: Environmental Illness; Military Personnel; pre-hospital care; remote and rural medicine; resuscitation.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Consensus Statement

MeSH terms

  • Emergency Medical Services* / methods
  • Emergency Medical Services* / standards
  • Heat Stress Disorders* / diagnosis
  • Heat Stress Disorders* / therapy
  • Humans
  • Physical Exertion*