Exertional heat stroke is one of the leading causes of sudden death, in sports.

It’s also one hundred percent survivable with the proper treatment, according to the Korey Stringer Institute.

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The Korey Stringer Institute was founded in 2010, in memory of a 27-year-old Minnesota Vikings lineman.  Korey Stringer died of heatstroke in 2001, following a football practice in summer heat.  Korey’s widow, Kelci, collaborated with heat stroke expert Dr. Douglas Casa, Ph.D., to create the Korey Stringer Institute in her husband’s memory.  Korey Stringer Institute, or KSI, located at the University of Connecticut, works in partnership with the National Football League.  KSI’s mission: to prevent sudden death in sports, through initiatives, education and resources.

William Adams is the Director of Sport Safety Policies at the Korey Stringer Institute.  He talked about current initiatives on which KSI is working, resources available for determining local states’ safety policies for high-school athletics, and some of the wearables they’re currently testing, to determine athletes’ hydration levels.

DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for informational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice.   Please contact a physician if you have questions regarding a medical condition.  If you think you may have a medical emergency, contact your doctor or 911 immediately.

On this edition of Over Coffee®, you’ll hear;

• How William decided to use his medical background in sports safety;

• The different types of heat stroke, and recommended action for exertional heat stroke;

• The Korey Stringer Institute’s three-year research project and findings on medical coverage for high-school athletics;

• The initiatives on which KSI is currently working (including an exciting one with the NFL, for underserved high schools!)

• How to check your local high schools’ medical coverage for athletes;

• The five policy changes KSI tracks on their website, for high-school athletics;

• The Korey Stringer Institute’s work with various branches of the military;

• Some recent innovations KSI implemented for the Air Force;

• Some of KSI’s work in occupational safety;

• Current wearables KSI is using, to monitor athlete safety and well-being.