UK prehospital practitioners' knowledge of heat-related illness and heatstroke

Background: Heat-related illness is commonly seen in individuals undergoing physical exercise or exertion (exertional heat illness) and those exposed to high ambient temperatures, for example in heatwaves (classic heat illness). While severe heat-related illness, including heatstroke, requires urgent recognition and treatment to minimise morbidity and mortality, little is known about prehospital practitioners' knowledge of the condition. Aims: This study aimed to assess UK prehospital practitioners' knowledge of recognition, treatment and risks of heat-related illness. Methods: An online questionnaire was disseminated to UK prehospital practitioners. Findings and conclusions: Some aspects, such as the criteria for diagnosis and the need for urgent treatment were generally well known. Other areas, such as risk of mortality and risk of complications and organ dysfunction, were less well known. Further education and awareness of this condition may be warranted.