Heat Stress: A Critical Medical Condition – The Key Role of Emergency Medical Services in Managing the Case
Keywords:
Heat Stress, Heat Stroke, Emergency Medical Services, Prehospital Care, Saudi Arabia, Public HealthAbstract
Heat stress is a critical and potentially life-threatening medical condition that occurs when the body’s thermoregulatory mechanisms fail to dissipate excessive heat, resulting in elevated core body temperature and systemic dysfunction. This paper explores heat stress as a medical emergency, highlighting its pathophysiology, epidemiological trends, and the essential role of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in early recognition, prehospital management, and coordination of care. The study synthesizes current evidence from international health authorities, including the World Health Organization (WHO), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Saudi Ministry of Health (MOH), to establish a comprehensive understanding of heat-related illness management. It emphasizes the integration of EMS systems in Saudi Arabia, where environmental heat exposure and mass gatherings present unique challenges. The findings underscore the importance of timely field cooling, rapid transport, and continuous training for EMS personnel to mitigate morbidity and mortality associated with heat emergencies
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