Skip Navigation

Climate Change and Human Health Literature Portal Pediatric heat-related illness: recommendations for prevention and management

Climate Change and Human Health Literature Portal

Dunn RJ, Kim TY
2017
Pediatric Emergency Medicine Practice. 14 (8): 1-20

Infants, children, and adolescents are at increased risk for heat-related illness due to their inability to remove themselves from dangerous environments. Evidence shows that morbidity and mortality from heat illness is related to the length of time core temperature is elevated, so rapid reduction and accurate serial measurements are crucial to prevention of organ system damage and death. The primary methods of patient cooling are conduction (ice-water immersion, cold packs) and convection (moisture and moving air). The choice of method used may depend on availability of equipment, but there is evidence that can guide optimal use of resources. This issue presents evidence-based recommendations and best practices in heat-illness resuscitation, including managing children who are obese, have special needs or take medications, and advocacy for prevention strategies.

Expand Abstract

Resource Description

    Solar Radiation, Temperature
    • Solar Radiation, Temperature: Heat
    Global or Unspecified Location
    Morbidity/Mortality, Temperature-Related Health Impact
    • Morbidity/Mortality, Temperature-Related Health Impact: Heat-Related Health Impact
    Review Article
    Adaptation, Vulnerable Population
    • Adaptation, Vulnerable Population: Intervention
    • Adaptation, Vulnerable Population: Children, Other Vulnerable Population, Specify
      • Children, Other Vulnerable Population, Specify: Pre-existing Medical Condition
      Other Vulnerable Population, Specify
Back
to Top