Killer Heat

Temperatures at the Minnesota Vikings training camp in Mankato, Minnesota were in the 90s and humidities were very high during the first week of August 2001 The heat and humidity were combining to create stifling conditions with heat indices in the 110 degree range. The National Weather Service had issued heat advisories for the area.

Vikings All-Pro defensive tackle Corey Stringer experienced problems on the first day of camp from the heat, but vowed to be back the next day. The 6-4, 335 pound star was back the next day, August 1st. Stringer collapsed during the practice and was rushed to a nearby hospital. Upon arrival at the hospital, Stringer’s body temperature was 108F. on the morning of August 2nd due to complications from heatstroke. Stringer was 27.

Two other football players died in the summer of 2001 from heatstroke. One of the other deaths was a high school player and the other was a University of Florida freshman who died in July under similar conditions. According to the National Center for Catastrophic Sport Injury Research at the University of North Carolina, twenty players had died from heatstroke between 1995 and 2001. Stringer’s death caused the NFL to review training camp practices.

Fall football practices will soon be underway at local universities, high schools and in area youth leagues. Administrators and coaches should be prepared with the latest information and procedures on how to deal with potential heatstroke situations. The Vikings team would be rocked by Stringer’s death, falling to 5-11, their worst record since 1984. Heatstroke occurs when the body’s temperature rises uncontrollably and temperature regulation mechanisms cannot keep pace.

A myth says that the skin of heatstroke victims is usually hot, red and dry. Victims can be in full sweat. Symptoms include disorientation, diarrhea, vomiting and elevated body temperatures above 104 degrees. Cold water immersion is listed as the best response for a victim of heatstroke.

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