Cooling treatment for exertional heat stroke using ice water soaked towels

Treatment of Exertional Heatstroke witH icE wAter Soaked Towels

Observational Erasmus Medical Center · NCT05717777

This study tests if using ice water soaked towels can safely help adults recover from exertional heat stroke and heat exhaustion during events in Rotterdam.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment55 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorErasmus Medical Center Academic / other
Locations1 site (Rotterdam, Zuid-Holland)
Trial IDNCT05717777 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of using ice water soaked towels to treat exertional heat stroke (EHS) and exertional heat exhaustion (EHE). The study will monitor patients aged 18 and older who receive medical care for EHS or EHE during specific events in Rotterdam. Participants will be observed for their cooling rates, morbidity, and potential psychological impacts following treatment. Follow-up surveys will be conducted two weeks and two months after treatment to assess recovery and any long-term effects.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged 18 and older who have received medical care for exertional heat stroke or exhaustion during the specified events.

Not a fit: Patients who do not meet the age requirement or have a language barrier may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve the management and outcomes of patients suffering from exertional heat stroke.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific use of ice water soaked towels is being investigated here, similar cooling strategies have shown promise in managing heat-related illnesses in other studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

In order to be eligible to participate in this study, a subject must meet all of the following criteria:

* ≥18 years
* Receive medical care at in the medical facility the City Pier City and Marathon Rotterdam 2023
* Tympanic temperature \>38.0°C

Exclusion Criteria:

A potential subject who meets any of the following criteria will be excluded from participation in this study:

• Language barrier (not proficient in Dutch or English)

Where this trial is running

Rotterdam, Zuid-Holland

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Heat Stroke ExertionalHeat IllnessHeat Exhaustion
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.