Heat stroke: knowledge and practices of medical professionals in pediatric emergency medicine departments – a survey study

Heat stroke is a life-threatening condition affecting children worldwide. Rapid cooling remains the most important feature of emergency management. The accepted preferred method of evaporative cooling in the ED as listed by the reference text book endorsed by the Israeli Society of Pediatric Emergency Medicine (PEMI), is actively cooling the patient by spraying him with water and positioning fans to blow air across the body. This study aimed to assess Israeli health care workers (HCWs) medical professionals' knowledge and preparedness of treating heat stroke and recommend policy changes to ensure better treatment based on survey results. A cross-sectional survey of all HCWs working in an ED that accepts children was conducted. An online questionnaire was utilized to assess heat stroke management practices and available resources in all Israeli pediatric emergency departments (PEDs).