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Soccer’s premier World Cup tournament kicks off this week in 16 cities across North America, and urgent care clinicians near the host sites should be prepared for a potential surge in patient visits, including visits for heat-related illness, such as heat stroke and heat exhaustion. More than one-third of the scheduled soccer matches will take place in locations forecasted to experience high summer temperatures and humidity, according to new analysis from NPR. When analyzing 20 years of historic weather data for each host city and comparing it against established heat hazard guidelines, NPR found 67 of the 104 total games could include some heat risk with 39 of the games in the highest heat-risk category. A separate post from MedPage Today notes that while heat is the most significant concern, large crowds could also increase the number of visits related to falls, fractures, and lacerations. The flurry of activity for fans and venue staff could lead to cardiovascular events related to emotional stress, exacerbating pre-existing cardiac conditions, especially among older patients, the post suggests. And the risk for illness and injury isn’t just at the game itself. The tournament’s 6 million fans will likely be navigating parking lots, streets, and bus stations as they travel to and from the venues in the summer heat, often without access to water or first aid.
Water breaks for the pros: For the first time in World Cup history, officials will stop the games for 3-minute hydration breaks for the players during each 45-minute half.