is an organization that works to treat and prevent the effects of hyperthermia in athletes of all levels. Our goal is educate athletes, parents, coaches and event staff on the best ways to prevent hyperthermia prior to rigorous exercise and how to treat it if it occurs. HEAT was founded in loving memory of Nikki Baird Buchholz. Nikki was a competitive, fun loving athlete who enjoyed the outdoors.
On June 19, 2010 she competed on a relay team in a sprint triathlon in Fernandina Beach, Florida. Nikki’s relay team was racing the boys’ team in a friendly competition that day. Spirits were high and everyone was excited. As Nikki began the second leg of the relay race, the bike portion, she told everyone it would only take her 32 minutes. As time went on, Nikki was not seen and friends and family began to worry. News spread quickly that a biker had crashed. She had gone into a seizure while biking along the course and crashed. She was rushed to the nearest hospital and immediately life-flighted to another. It became clear that she was in critical condition. Nikki’s body went into hyperthermia, an abnormally high body temperature. Brain damage can occur if the body reaches over 105 degrees. Her highest reported body temperature was 107 degrees. This happened in a matter of moments and without any warning. She had trained, stayed hydrated and was extremely prepared. There were several key factors which led to Nikki’s condition.
1. Basic prescribed medications
2. Serotonin syndrome
3. The heat: at 8:30 a.m. in Florida it was in the low 80s
4. Metabolism was thrown off due to a fluid and electrolyte imbalance. There are ways to prevent hyperthermia from occurring. There are also things that first responders can do to help a victim. Our goal is to educate people on these practices so no one else loses a loved one. Every second counts. You can save a life. The ultimate goal of the Hyperthermia Emergency Awareness Training (H.E.A.T) organization is to prevent hyperthermia and its complications among amateur and student athletes through increased awareness, education and research.
