Heat Issues

[KenBAZ]

I worked a youth tournament on Saturday with a new partner from out of town. We were scheduled for six games so we split the plates three and three. He had the first three. By the 2nd inning of game four my partner was sweating excessively, cramping and finally vomiting. We got him off the field and cooled off. A buddy stepped in and worked the bases for the remainder of game four and all of game five. For the championship game, that started about 8:30 PM, my original partner insisted he was ok to work. By the top of the 2nd, he was cramping again and quickly started vomiting again. He was replaced and we completed the game. Last night I spoke with my partner who is in a hospital with sever renal failure from dehydration. He was fortunate enough to have been picked up by LEOs off the highway after blacking out on the way home and bouncing off a guard rail. They tell him he will be released in a day or two and should make a full recovery. Not everyone has to deal with the extreme heat of August in Phoenix but we all have to be careful and take heat related illnesses more seriously then most do. The problem itself prevents you from making good decisions. I'm hopeful some of us can learn from this poor guy's troubles. I should have insisted he was done after the first issue. I should have made sure he had medical attention after the second problem and that he not be allowed to drive alone. I will request we work share during heat like this and bring in a couple of umpiring crews to split the games. As background, last year at this event an umpire left the park to drive home with heat problems and had to stop. He was escorted to a hospital and received seven IV bags of fluids. Earlier in the day Saturday we had an umpire pass out at the plate and have to be replaced. Sent from my SM-N910T using Tapatalk

[Thunderheads]

We've talked about hydration on this site enough, so I think we all know what to do but ....let me, if I may, point something out. (And, this is not directed at KenBAZ either ....)

Why on God's green earth would anyone do 3 plate games IN A ROW in Arizona, in August ....that's just stupid.   First of all, accepting 6 games in that type of heat is silly to begin with, but doing 3 plates in a row? 

[JaxRolo]

I keep saying this but this is a life saver. I will not work long hot tournaments without it.

REHYDRATE

 

[Thunderheads]

I keep saying this but this is a life saver. I will not work long hot tournaments without it.

REHYDRATE

 

no self promoting

[JaxRolo]

I will sell this at my cost! No money to be made here! I push it because it works!

[alan2703]

I got to use my EMT training for heat exhaustion 3 sundays ago, heat index 104 with high humidity, no breeze, bad air warning, hydrating like hell. Pulse rate was like machine gun, sweating had stopped skin cool and clamy. Only problem was it was me, stripped down, cold towels,sport drinks cut with water. Once I got pulse rate to normal 68 went home felt like hell for 3 days, y partner almost went to ER most of the players where just as bad the league would not let us just play one game so we did 2 . Some times no matter what you do it will not help.

[KenBAZ]

We've talked about hydration on this site enough, so I think we all know what to do but ....let me, if I may, point something out. (And, this is not directed at KenBAZ either ....)

Why on God's green earth would anyone do 3 plate games IN A ROW in Arizona, in August ....that's just stupid.   First of all, accepting 6 games in that type of heat is silly to begin with, but doing 3 plates in a row? 

We did three and three because the scheduling was so tight we didnt have time to change more frequently. As it was the start of the 4th game was pushed back 15 min. and we still started 10 min late. As to the idea of accepting six games, the SWMBO sure agrees with you that it's crazy and dangerous. Sent from my SM-N910T using Tapatalk

[Thunderheads]

We did three and three because the scheduling was so tight we didnt have time to change more frequently. As it was the start of the 4th game was pushed back 15 min. and we still started 10 min late. As to the idea of accepting six games, the

SWMBO

sure agrees with you that it's crazy and dangerous. Sent from my SM-N910T using Tapatalk

I understand, and thought you may answer with this, however ..... who cares about the tournament schedule?  If you're late, you're late ..... 3 plates in a row in oppressive heat is a death-wish.  Shame on the tournament coordinators

[JaxRolo]

I don't care with how tight the schedule is. Your health is #1.

Change out when you need to. It's not worth it.

[catsbackr]

We talk on this site all of the time how we, the umpires are an afterthought.  Why are we surprised when tournament directors schedule us like this?  Stand up, be heard, tell them NO!

[maineump]

I just came back from S Carolina. Very hot and humid with heat indexes over 100 every day. We were told to pre-hydrate and drink water during the game. Assignor made a point of - if you do a plate, you only do 1 game per day. If you had 2 games they were always both on the bases, and had a break in between for air conditioning. I am not used to that kind of heat, and I have only done a couple of tournaments in that kind of heat, so I followed their suggestions.

Sports drinks are OK, but they are mostly sugar. Use a diluted drink with electrolites. Like pedia-lite or something along that line. It is hard to replace what you lose during the game (it basically does no good), so pre is soooo important. Stay away from caffeine (coffee, sodas etc) as these help to dehydrate you.

Like said above, limit YOURSELF to the number of games you do. No level of ball, is worth risking your health!! If they are short of umpires - then they need to get more. I am a paramedic, and I always hear - give him IV's before and after the games. Here's a hint, the fluids that medics give do nothing but replace VOLUME, they do nothing to replace the stuff your organs need to function and survive.

[ZebraStripes]

The AC between games is a bad idea based on personal experience.  The muscles tighten up and the result isn't good.  We have our fair share of heat here in Georgia.  I have done several at 95+ degrees.

[alan2703]

WE are taught as FF/EMT to get body temp down so AC is an option the along with diluted sport drinks .in between ice pops help. We had a class on heat issue at an EMT class if you need to eat something ham,turkey lunch meat sandwich. They have high water content salt etc and carbs.

[kylehutson]

I read many years ago that watermelon is better for re-hydrating you than water is (it's mostly water with a nice balance of electrolytes). I can't vouch for the veracity of that statement, but I do bring watermelon to events (baseball or otherwise) where dehydration is a likelihood. It's worked well for me and thought I'd share. And on top of that, it tastes darn good.

[maineump]

The AC between games is a bad idea based on personal experience.  The muscles tighten up and the result isn't good.  We have our fair share of heat here in Georgia.  I have done several at 95+ degrees.

Medically speaking A/C is good if the body gets too hot. You need to keep the temperature down, to prevent things like seizures and the like. Heat issues are a real problem. Little signs like dizziness, no more sweating, vision becoming more narrow or other things like that out of the ordinary - are sure signs of heat 'injuries'.

Another trick I have seen is a touch of ammonia in the wet towels. Seems to awaken the senses some. Back in the day, the medical world used alcohol rubs to drop the temperature, I haven't seen it in a while (I have been a paramedic for over 20 years, and have seen lots of 'fads' come and go).

Basically - take care of yourself, stay in shape, eat well, get lots of rest and pre-hydrate when working in hot weather.

Tis now the season for 2-a-days in HS football - remember kids die every year from heat - just keep yourself safe out there and use common sense.

[Tksjewelry]

I've seen lots of these young men in their twenties umpires show up to do 4,5, or 6 games with only a few bottles of water. I've seen more than one drop. Its why I always keep a big cooler of frozen water in my trunk. In between games I've always got cold water and salty peanut butter snacks to hand out to whoever needs it.

[Richvee]

I got to use my EMT training for heat exhaustion 3 sundays ago, heat index 104 with high humidity, no breeze, bad air warning, hydrating like hell. Pulse rate was like machine gun, sweating had stopped skin cool and clamy. Only problem was it was me, stripped down, cold towels,sport drinks cut with water. Once I got pulse rate to normal 68 went home felt like hell for 3 days, y partner almost went to ER most of the players where just as bad the league would not let us just play one game so we did 2 . Some times no matter what you do it will not help.

That was one hot and humid day! I was scheduled for a 930AM and a 7PM game that day, so I was hydrated  to start. Then I get to the 930 game and I'm informed it's a DH. (solo). After the first game, the teams say "10-15 minutes we'll start game game 2." I said, "No, I didn't bring enough water or food for 2 games. I'm taking off the gear, driving to the store, getting myself some fluids and some fruit and peanuts and we'll start game 2 when I get back."  No one had anything to say. Game 2 goes fine, I get back to the car, and my assigner has called. His 3pm guy bailed, can I do another plate? Luckily it was local, and I had enough time to cool down and eat a light lunch. (and get more water and fruit). I was tired after the 3pm game, but felt OK. Had another banana and more fluids and headed to the 7pm game on the bases. Got through the day OK, but I had a headache that started in the 3rd inning of the night game and didn't go away until Monday. (and no, I didn't take any shots to the mask). Not sure if that was from any dehydration, or just being out in that weather for the better part of 12 hours. By far the hottest day I've ever done multiple games. Can't imagine doing that and then doing MORE the next day in a weekend tourney.

[KenBAZ]

Last year my buddy couldn't stand the AC in my car. It seemed to make him cramp more. Sent from my SM-N910T using Tapatalk

[KenBAZ]

BTW, I had the bases for a 9 AM MSBL game Sunday after the six on Saturday. Three more hours in the heat but I was fine. In addition to the things we've discussed to prevent problems I think the best thing is that I work almost every day in the heat so I'm as acclimated as I can get. Still I don't know if there is any way to acclimate for 12 hours in the heat we had. Sent from my SM-N910T using Tapatalk

[alan2703]

That was one hot and humid day! I was scheduled for a 930AM and a 7PM game that day, so I was hydrated  to start. Then I get to the 930 game and I'm informed it's a DH. (solo). After the first game, the teams say "10-15 minutes we'll start game game 2." I said, "No, I didn't bring enough water or food for 2 games. I'm taking off the gear, driving to the store, getting myself some fluids and some fruit and peanuts and we'll start game 2 when I get back."  No one had anything to say. Game 2 goes fine, I get back to the car, and my assigner has called. His 3pm guy bailed, can I do another plate? Luckily it was local, and I had enough time to cool down and eat a light lunch. (and get more water and fruit). I was tired after the 3pm game, but felt OK. Had another banana and more fluids and headed to the 7pm game on the bases. Got through the day OK, but I had a headache that started in the 3rd inning of the night game and didn't go away until Monday. (and no, I didn't take any shots to the mask). Not sure if that was from any dehydration, or just being out in that weather for the better part of 12 hours. By far the hottest day I've ever done multiple games. Can't imagine doing that and then doing MORE the next day in a weekend tourney.

Heat Exhaustion,

[ZebraStripes]

The 95 degree days was for a tournament and I did 1 Friday and 4 on Saturday and Sunday.  Friday wasn't much water but I think I went through 18-24 bottles of water each day.  I had a cooler full in one of the dugouts and was pulling a new one out every two or three innings, especially behind the plate.

Edited August 12, 2015 by ZebraStripes

[JaxRolo]

I keep saying this but this is a life saver. I will not work long hot tournaments without it.

REHYDRATE

 

Guys mix this with water every 2-3 games. You will notice a big difference.

[MadMax]

I'm a tournament workhorse for a reason – I have a well-practiced routine or method to this madness. When I first joined U-E, one of my first posts was regarding this exact topic (Topic: Dilemma). Please read it. Especially those folks ( @HokieUmp, @LRZ, etc.) who want to have a "gentleman's duel" over my (and others) issue with their fondness with one navy shirt. Please note, I'm not battling with you over navy. I'm battling with those guys who show up at a tournament to work unprepared. As many have pointed out in here, showing up to work with one water bottle, or one this, or one that results in risky outcomes in those circumstances. Do you think I'm going to use black on a day like @KenBAZ describes? Heck no! I'm going to trot out all <counts quick>... 18 shirts I own and use 'em all if I have to, the lightest ones in the spectrum especially!

And if that means I insist that you, my partner with one navy shirt, are going to wear my spare grey or sky blue one, then you're going to f#©king wear it.

We've got four games together, I don't need you wilting on me because you were defiant about your "fashion sense". 

It's all contextual, @HokieUmp... I'm not trying to pick a conflict with you. You'll probably say that you're not one to take on mega-tournaments of 16 games in 3 days, that you take one (or two) prestigious games per day. Your own choice of navy works for that context, then bless you and have a good game. You probably look dashing in navy! We write on U-E not only for our own purposes, but for the benefit of the community, and I hope that other umpires, looking to take on a tournament weekend read this and other posts on this topic. They need to understand preparedness and flexibility (to adapt to the conditions and to take the advice of those who are experienced) are essential.

Back on point with "Heat Issues", please hear that preparing for and dealing with activity in this sort of heat does not just mean "morning of" or "during", but also – and this is key – several days beforehand! You need to be hydrating as a habit. Your nutrition must be well observed and managed. You need to be getting a structured sleep pattern. Your wild, rockstar-esque nights of drinking and carousing will catch up to you. Ken mentioned a term – acclimated – that contributes to his survivability in those conditions. You can begin to acclimate yourself to those conditions without being necessarily in them by adopting a routine of preparedness.

[ElkOil]

Three of us were working a tournament, rotating two-man crews.  I was off on this one particular game when my partner called over to me to bring some water to them on the field.  As I'm walking it out there, he says, "Joe [our third man] didn't bring any water with him."  It was blazing hot that day and this struck me not just odd, but plain stupid.

By this time, Joe was walking over to us.  So my other partner Bob says, "Ask Joe what happened the last time he forgot to bring water."

Okay, I'll bite.  "What happened?" I asked.

Joe said, "I had to get taken off the field in an ambulance because I was dehydrated.  I had kidney failure and now I'm diabetic."

"You would think," I said, "that after that you'd never again forget to bring water."

Bob said, "Yeah, you'd think that."  Joe just shrugged.  

The moral of the story is clear, but for crying out loud, engage your brain and plan for these kinds of days.  My key to success is to bring lots of water and Gatorade in a 50/50 mix.  I keep a 5-gallon cooler in my truck and fill up a 1/2 gallon cooler to bring on to the field.  I also bring a small cooler filled with ice water and a towel, which i soak my head, neck and chest with between innings.  Doing that keeps things manageable in 100+ degree days.

[alan2703]

I'm a tournament workhorse for a reason – I have a well-practiced routine or method to this madness. When I first joined U-E, one of my first posts was regarding this exact topic (Topic: Dilemma). Please read it. Especially those folks ( @HokieUmp, @LRZ, etc.) who want to have a "gentleman's duel" over my (and others) issue with their fondness with one navy shirt. Please note, I'm not battling with you over navy. I'm battling with those guys who show up at a tournament to work unprepared. As many have pointed out in here, showing up to work with one water bottle, or one this, or one that results in risky outcomes in those circumstances. Do you think I'm going to use black on a day like @KenBAZ describes? Heck no! I'm going to trot out all <counts quick>... 18 shirts I own and use 'em all if I have to, the lightest ones in the spectrum especially!

And if that means I insist that you, my partner with one navy shirt, are going to wear my spare grey or sky blue one, then you're going to f#©king wear it.

We've got four games together, I don't need you wilting on me because you were defiant about your "fashion sense". 

It's all contextual, @HokieUmp... I'm not trying to pick a conflict with you. You'll probably say that you're not one to take on mega-tournaments of 16 games in 3 days, that you take one (or two) prestigious games per day. Your own choice of navy works for that context, then bless you and have a good game. You probably look dashing in navy! We write on U-E not only for our own purposes, but for the benefit of the community, and I hope that other umpires, looking to take on a tournament weekend read this and other posts on this topic. They need to understand preparedness and flexibility (to adapt to the conditions and to take the advice of those who are experienced) are essential.

Back on point with "Heat Issues", please hear that preparing for and dealing with activity in this sort of heat does not just mean "morning of" or "during", but also – and this is key – several days beforehand! You need to be hydrating as a habit. Your nutrition must be well observed and managed. You need to be getting a structured sleep pattern. Your wild, rockstar-esque nights of drinking and carousing will catch up to you. Ken mentioned a term – acclimated – that contributes to his survivability in those conditions. You can begin to acclimate yourself to those conditions without being necessarily in them by adopting a routine of preparedness.

Thank you we preach this at the  FD hydrate year round Coffee,soda, and energydrinks are not hydrating50/50 water and sports or just plain old water, though drinking and carousing is good for soul and fun