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3 Alabama H.S. Football Players Sent To ER Due To Heat

August 5, 2011 / Football

WTVM, Elizabeth White

http://www.wsfa.com/story/15212753/three-east-alabama-high-school-football-players-sent-to-er-after-practice-in-hot-weather

AUBURN, AL (WTVM) –

The stifling, humid heat in East Alabama sent three football players from Lee Scott Academy to the hospital this week for heat related injuries.

Now, coaches are rethinking practice times.

Tuesday was the last day of ‘two-a-days’ at Lee Scott Academy, but it proved to be too much for three high school players.

“When the humidity is so high and the heat is so bad sometimes you have issues. This is my 35th year coaching and I’ve only had to call an ambulance twice,” said Coach Robert Maddox.

Coach Maddox made one of those ambulance calls on Tuesday, after a player’s cramps wouldn’t go away.

“They would not go away after fluids and Gatorade and electrolyte tablets, so we decided it would be prudent to call an ambulance. As the ambulance was leaving I got another call from another player who was cramping while driving and pulled over, so I got in my truck and went and got him.” said Coach Maddox.

In all, three Lee Scott Players went to the ER for cramping and heat related dehydration. The players are all expected to be okay. Maddox said he was concerned, so he pushed back practice from 4 to 6 PM.

Dr. Alan Moore tells News Leader 9, East Alabama Medical Center sees one to four players a day for heat related injuries during the first weeks of high school football practice. He says ER visits trail off as temps cool and players get in shape.

Moore says if a player cramps for more than 15 minutes or has cramps all over call your doctor.

Players, make sure your urine is clear, that means you are properly hydrated. Also, weigh yourself. If you lose five pounds during a workout, make sure you gain it back before your next practice.