Climate change, heat and child health — formative SAQs

SAQ 1 (10 marks)

A 16-year-old collapses during a humid preseason training session. He is confused. Staff ask whether to drive him straight to hospital without cooling because “he is still sweating.” [6] [7]

1. Define heat stroke and explain why sweating does not exclude the diagnosis. (3) [6]
2. Outline your immediate field management priorities, including preferred cooling. (4) [7]
3. List three investigations you will arrange once cooling is under way and one pitfall to avoid. (3) [6]

Model answer

Heat stroke: hyperthermia with CNS dysfunction after heat exposure or exertion. Exertional forms often retain sweating; dry skin is not required. [6]

Immediate priorities: remove from heat and strip gear; cool first with cold-water immersion when available; protect airway; oxygen as needed; check glucose; IV access and isotonic fluids for hypovolaemia; treat seizures; continuous monitoring; transport with ongoing cooling if still critically hot. [7]

Labs once cooling started: glucose (bedside), electrolytes, renal function, CK, LFTs, coagulation, blood gas/ECG as indicated. Pitfall: delaying cooling for CT or lab confirmation. [6] [7]

SAQ 2 (10 marks)

Parents of an 8-year-old ask for a summer heat-wave plan. Housing has no air-conditioning. An older sibling plays school sport. [3] [5] [12]

1. Give age-appropriate prevention advice for home and sport, including acclimatisation. (4) [5]
2. State the vehicle safety message and why infants/young children are vulnerable. (3) [5]
3. How will you address equity and climate context without abandoning practical care? (3) [3] [12]

Model answer

Hydration access, shade, light clothing, cut/modify activity in extreme heat/humidity, progressive ~10–14 day sports acclimatisation and work-to-rest changes; cancel when local policy thresholds met. [5]

Never leave a child in a parked car. Young children depend on caregivers and have developing thermoregulation. [5]

Name cooling centres, cool-room strategies, school policy advocacy and structural housing disadvantage as medical determinants; pair with concrete day-of-heat actions. Climate change multiplies heat extremes — paediatric counselling and advocacy both count. [3] [12]