Recognizing and Treating Hyperthermia

In this episode of The Erik and Matt Show (EMS), Dr. Erik Axene, MD and firefighter/paramedic Matt Ball tackle a seasonally critical topic: hyperthermia. With record-breaking heat across the U.S., they break down how to recognize early signs of heat illness, differentiate heat exhaustion from heat stroke, and manage these patients effectively in the prehospital setting.They walk through thermoregulation, common risk factors (including construction workers, firefighters, athletes, and the elderly), and emphasize rapid cooling techniques like ice baths, evaporative cooling, and creative on-scene solutions. The episode also covers EMS scene priorities, cooling strategies, complications like rhabdomyolysis, and why prehydration and on-scene rehab are essential for providers.